For best results, use REACH^® floss once daily before or after brushing with a toothbrush and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouth rinse such as LISTERINE^® Antiseptic.

 

The American Dental Association recommends the following steps when flossing:

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most around your fingers.  Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand.  This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.  Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger.  Guide the floss easily between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.  Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth.  Gently slide it into the space between the gum  and the tooth.  Hold the floss tightly against the tooth.  Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.  Feel the floss flex to the contours of the teeth as it grabs and removes the plaque.  Floss will make a “popping” sound as you pull away from the teeth.  Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

 

For more information about proper oral hygiene techniques, visit the American Dental Associations’ web site at www.ada.org.