Dr. Eric Siani DMD, a general dentist practicing in Palmdale, California says it’s important for people to know the right way to floss. Most dentists — including Dr. Eric Siani DMD — have a hard time convincing patients to floss. Flossing is not optional for optimum dental health, warns Dr. Eric Siani DMD, because it is often the only way to remove disease-causing food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach places between the teeth.

Before a patient can begin to floss properly, Dr. Eric Siani DMD points out, it’s necessary to buy floss. As most people know, there are many types of floss available, made in multi-strand and mono-strand varieties. Dr. Eric Siani DMD explains that the problem with multifilament nylon floss is that it can shred and break, unlike the monofilament type.

On the plus side, continues Dr. Eric Siani DMD, the nylon floss is cheaper and price is important to many patients. Furthermore, according to Dr. Eric Siani DMD, both the single and multi thread flosses (waxed or unwaxed, flavored or plain) ultimately do the same job of removing food particles and plaque.

Dr. Eric Siani DMD always demonstrates proper flossing techniques to his patients. Dr. Siani recommends beginning with about 18-20 inches of floss. Wrap each end around the middle fingers on both hands, instructs Dr. Eric Siani DMD, so that there is only a couple of inches to work with.

Slide the floss gently between the teeth, advises Dr. Eric Siani DMD, and he says it’s best to hold the floss tightly between the index finger and thumb in each hand. Although it’s important to reach the base of each tooth and under the gum line, Dr. Eric Siani DMD recommends that a patient never force the floss. Otherwise, he or she may damage gums by bruising or even cutting them. When reaching a very tight spot between two teeth, Dr. Eric Siani DMD says to use a gentle rocking motion, moving from back to front, to see if the floss will move down to the gum line.

As a final tip, Dr. Eric Siani DMD reminds his patients to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.