Flossing will help remove the sticky, colorless layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth (called plaque) and other debris from between the teeth especially near the gum line. Tooth decay and gum disease often start in these areas where your toothbrush can't reach.

Flossing is a skill that can be developed with a little practice, even though it may seem awkward at first. Don't be discouraged with your initial flossing attempt. After a while flossing can be accomplished in a few minutes.

Establish a regular time and pattern of flossing, so you don't miss any of your teeth any day. Floss using the following method to remove plaque:

· Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Children may find it easier to work with a loop of floss.

· Wind the rest of the floss around the same finger on the other hand. This finger can take up the floss as it is used to keep clean floss in the working area.

· Use the thumb and forefingers with an inch of floss between them to guide the floss between the teeth.

· Holding the floss tightly, use a gentle sawing motion to insert the floss between the teeth. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the tooth and gum until you feel resistance

· While holding the floss tightly against the tooth, move the floss away from the gum (down on the upper teeth and up on the lower teeth) by scraping the side of the tooth.

· Without removing the floss, curve it around the other tooth and scrape it too.

· Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

· Don't forget to floss behind the last tooth in each area of your mouth.

When first flossing, your gums may bleed and/or be sore for the first five or six days. As the plaque is broken up and removed, the gums heal and the bleeding stops. If you stop flossing for a while, your gums may become infected and start bleeding again.

If the bleeding does not stop in a few days, consult your dentist. Improper flossing may be injuring your gums. Remember to be gentle and don't snap the floss into the gums when inserting the floss between your teeth and under the gum line.