There are two types of floss:
- Nylon floss (multifilament floss)
- Composed of many strands of nylon, it may sometimes tear or shred, especially between teeth with tight contact points. Also comes in different flavors.
- PTFE (monofilament floss)
- Slides easily between teeth, even those with tight spaces between teeth, and is virtually shred-resistant.
Flossing techniques:
- Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with
- Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth
- Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue
- Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth
- To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from the teeth