dental floss

1. Take a length of floss about 40cm long and wrap the ends around the middle fingers of each hands, leaving about 6cm between the fingers.
2. Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers, leaving about 2cm between them and pulling the floss tight.
3. Slide the floss into the space between the teeth and gently move it forward and back until it slips through.
4. Curve it into a 'C' shape against one tooth and move the floss against the side of the tooth, gently stroking the plaque away.
5. Pull it out from between the teeth and wind more floss from one finger to the other to reveal a fresh piece.
6. Repeat with the side of the next tooth and work your way around the mouth systematically.

You may experience bleeding from the gums when you first start flossing. This probably means you are suffering from gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease. The bleeding should stop after the first few days of flossing once the plaque and bacteria have been removed and the gingivitis has cleared. If it does not stop bleeding, contact your dentist for advice.

Dental flosses and tapes enable you to clean the spaces between teeth where food and plaque can build up. They are available in a variety of flavours, often with added fluoride or antibacterial action.

• If you find that the floss frays or sheds, a waxed, coated or PTFE floss or tape might be more suitable.
• Floss holders are available for people who have trouble handling floss.
• If flossing makes you gag or for larger gaps between teeth, an interdental brush, pick or stick may be more appropriate.