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Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Public Health Department
-- Flossing for Dental Health --


 


Flossing is necessary to remove the plaque that forms in between the teeth each day. Plaque consists of germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing once a day, before you go to bed at night will help to reduce tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended that you floss before brushing. Develop a lifelong habit of flossing!

 

How to Floss

  1. Use a gentle sawing motion to insert the floss between your teeth.

  2. Now pull the floss against the tooth. Move the floss gently under the gum until you feel the pressure.

  1. Curve the floss around the tooth in a C-shape (hug the tooth).

  1. While holding the floss firmly against your tooth, scrape the plaque from the side of your teeth and away from the gums with an up and down motion.

  2. Rinse your mouth with water and throw away the used piece of floss.

*Another way to remove plaque between teeth is to use a dental pick- a thin plastic or wooden stick. These picks can be bought at drugstores and grocery stores.

 

 
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   Mailing Address: County of Santa Cruz  Health Services Agency
   1080 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | Phone: 831 454 4000 | Fax: 831 454 4770
   Hearing Impaired TDD: 831 454 2123 | copyright© 2000 County of Santa Cruz

 
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