how far down should you go when flossing your teeth? Below the gumline? stay above it?

Answer 1

Go here and click on the link about flossing:

http://www.ada.org/public/games/animation/interface.asp

The view they show of the FRONT teeth shows the proper distance to go up under your gums. The view of the back teeth makes it look like you stop at the top of the gum and this is not correct. You have to get under the gums.

Answer 2

Go a little below the gumline, and wrap the floss around the front and back of your tooth. If it bleeds, it's ok because that means that there is bacteria in your mouth and you're getting it out.

Answer 3

You should floss all the way down to the gum line. The point of flossing ins to try and keep the food out of the place between your gums and teeth. A Water pick works really really well for those hard to floss places.

Answer 4

If your floss goes below the gumline then you should be flossing below the gumline, but be careful you could have the onset of gingivitis!

Answer 5

Floss up to the gum line in a seesaw motion... make sure you go between each tooth.. and around each tooth--

A water pic also helps a lot too- In addition to flossing-

Answer 6

you can go just at the gum line. always Better to stay above gum line if in doubt because it wont hurt ur gum .going too much below will lead to bleeding and and later recession of gum lines.

Answer 7

Below the gum line without any discomfort.
I Cr 13;8a

Answer 8

if it was me i would ask my dentist- most people dont know how to floss right and hurt their gums

Answer 9

Not below the gum line you'll be bleeding then.

Answer 10

Here is a link with some pictures:

http://www.qualitydentistry.com/dental/ecare/flossing.html