Keep your teeth until you die: our guide to great gums will spare your teeth, help you diet, and even lower your risk of heart disease and stroke

Once the floss reaches your gum line, wrap it around the tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth, and index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Establish a regular pattern for flossing and provide enough time to hit all your teeth. If you lack good finger dexterity, you may find it helpful to use one of the new flosses, such as Glide, or a commercial floss holder. Your gums may bleed and be sore for the first few days after you floss; they should heal and the bleeding should stop once all the bacteria are removed.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group