What's the correct way to floss?

Question

Should I move the string up to the top and move it back and forth between the gum or just move it up and down between my teeth

Answer 1

both. just make an up and down side to side motion. it's just important you reached all sides....so you have a pretty smile and no cavities :D

Answer 2

you place the floss between your teeth, then you hold it against the side of one tooth, and slide it down under the gum following the curvature of the tooth and root.

lift it back up again and in the same slot, slide the floss against the adjacent tooth following the curvature of the tooth and root.

you are missing the most important part of the tooth by simply going up and down.  You need to go under the gum adjacent to the tooth.  this is where calculus builds up.

too many people rush this and just go up and down and i see vertical cuts at the gumline.  curve floss against each tooth on each side that is why i do not like the floss threaders that look like a horse shoe.

your gums may bleed (gingivitis) but that is because they are irritated with plaque.  doing it correctly for 2 weeks should eliminate any bleeding.  

when in doubt have your hygienist or dentist review flossing at your next dental visit.

--dentist