The Right Way to Floss (a.k.a. How to Floss Properly)

Learn how to floss effectively (and confidently), straight from a dentist who made it fun.

Got 60 seconds? You’ve got time to floss. Wondering how to floss properly? Brushing only gets about 60% of the job done—floss handles the rest. Skipping it? Like showering and skipping half your body. (Ew.) That’s why we made Cocofloss: scrubby, scented, refillable, and actually fun to use. Need a refresher on how to floss correctly? Watch our how-to video and floss like a pro.

Step 1: Grab ~18 inches of floss

Think: shoulder to shoulder. That’s your sweet spot. Grab your favorite floss (Cocofloss, obviously), and breathe in the amazing scent.

Step 2: Wrap it around your middles

Twirl it 1–2 times around your middle finger. (That’s your anchor.)

Step 3: Now the other hand

Same deal—wrap it 1–2 times around your opposite middle finger. This hand will help guide and control.

Step 4: Pinch and grip

Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 1 inch of floss between them.

Step 5: Slide it in, hug each tooth

Gently wiggle the floss between two teeth (no snapping—your gums will thank you). Hug the tooth in a “C” shape and shimmy it up 5–8 times to scrub it clean. This is one of the most important steps in how to floss properly.

Step 6: Get in the gums (gently)

Make sure you go below the gumline—that’s where bacteria love to hide! If you’ve ever asked yourself how do you floss correctly without hurting your gums, this is your answer: go slow and gentle.

Step 7: Fresh spot every time

Shift to a fresh section of floss for each new tooth space. It keeps things clean and avoids spreading plaque around.

Step 8: Once a day, every day

How do you floss correctly for best results? Do it daily. Your future mouth will thank you.

Pro tip: Don’t skip your back molars! They’re hiding in the rear, but they need love too.

Oral Intel

Mastering How to Floss

Bleeding gums? Totally normal at first. It’s often a sign to keep going—not stop. Just a few minutes a day = a fresher, brighter smile over time. Join our free 21-Day Floss Challenge and make how to floss properly a daily habit.