If you’re working on improving your physical health, most people begin with changing their diet and establishing an exercise routine. If you want to better your oral health, think of brushing your teeth as the equivalent of eating healthy and flossing as the equivalent of regular exercise.
Now, we all know that consistently brushing your teeth is essential, baseline oral care, but if you really want to see progress in your oral hygiene, then you have to floss. Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health, but many people do it incorrectly—or avoid it altogether. When done right, flossing removes plaque, prevents gum disease, and keeps your breath fresh. However, similarly to lifting weights, bad form while flossing can lessen the benefits and even cause injury to your gums.
Not sure if you’re flossing correctly? Let us walk you through four common flossing mistakes and how to fix them for a healthier, cleaner smile.
→READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR FLOSSING? BUY A SLATE FLOSSER TODAY←
1. You’re Not Flossing Every Day
Did you know that the plaque left on your teeth can turn into tartar in as little as 24 hours? Once plaque hardens into tartar, you need a dental professional to remove it. That’s why skipping flossing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make! Even if you brush thoroughly, your toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth. Flossing daily is necessary to disrupt the plaque and food debris left behind by your toothbrush before it turns into something worse.
The Fix:
-
Floss at least once a day to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.
-
We recommend flossing after brushing, but if you struggle with consistency, try flossing before brushing. You’re less likely to forget, and it will feel more like a natural part of your routine.
-
Make flossing more convenient by using an electric flosser like the Slate Flosser for an easier, more effective clean.
2. You’re Snapping or Forcing the Floss
Do your gums bleed when you floss? Well, that usually happens because of two things: you’re not flossing enough and you’re being too aggressive. Sometimes, when rushing or pushing through tight contacts, you might end up snapping your floss between your teeth. Unfortunately, that can cause a couple of issues.
If you push the floss down too hard, you may cut your gums, causing irritation and even gum recession over time. Also, snapping your floss in and out as quickly as possible doesn’t result in a great clean. You’re leaving a lot of gunk behind if you don’t follow proper flossing technique. Flossing should be gentle and precise, not a battle between you and your teeth.
The Fix:
-
Move the floss slowly and gently between your teeth instead of forcing it in.
-
Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a “C” shape and rub it along the sides of each tooth.
-
If traditional floss feels rough or uncomfortable, switch to a gentler alternative like woven floss.
3. You’re Only Flossing Between Teeth (And Ignoring Your Gumline)
Part of the problem with floss picks is that most people just quickly pop them in and out of their teeth. You may have gotten the popcorn kernel unstuck, but flossing is about more than just removing food from your teeth—it’s also about keeping your gums healthy. If you’re not flossing below the gumline, you’re missing a key piece of oral care.
Stimulating the gums while flossing promotes blood flow and reduces your risk of gum disease. Gum disease is incredibly common, affecting over 40% of people over 30 years old, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal. Neglected gums are more likely to bleed, become inflamed, and be vulnerable to dangerous bacteria. That’s why it’s so important to use proper technique while flossing (or switch to Slate and let our Gum Sweeps do it for you).
The Fix:
-
After getting the floss between your teeth, gently slide it under the gumline on each side.
-
Don’t just move the floss up and down—use a slight curved motion to clean around the base of the tooth.
-
Using a flosser with built-in gum care features, like the Slate Flosser’s patent-pending Gum Sweeps, can help massage the gums while removing plaque.
4. You’re Not Flossing the Hard-to-Reach Areas
This may surprise you, but many people only floss their front teeth, where they can see visible signs of food debris, and they think that’s enough. Plaque and bacteria love to hide in the back molars, where it’s harder to reach. If you’re skipping those areas, or only flossing some of your teeth, you’re leaving a breeding ground for cavities and gum disease.
The Fix:
-
Make sure you floss in between each tooth, all the way to your back molars, even if it takes a little extra effort.
-
Don’t forget to floss the back side of your molars. Just because they don’t have a neighboring tooth on the back doesn’t mean it won’t build up plaque.
-
If reaching those areas is tough, an electric flosser with an ergonomic design, like the Slate Flosser, makes it easier to clean every tooth effectively.
Make Flossing Easier & More Effective with the Slate Flosser
Flossing doesn’t have to be difficult or uncomfortable—the right tool can make all the difference. If you struggle with traditional floss, the Slate Flosser offers a smarter, easier way to floss while protecting your gums and teeth.
-
Patent-Pending Gum Sweeps – Cleans between teeth and along the gumline while gently massaging gums to promote better circulation.
-
Chemical-Free Woven Floss – No PTFE, PFAS, or wax coatings—just a safer, more effective clean.
-
Multi-Use Floss Heads – Designed to last for a full week, making flossing more convenient and eco-friendly.
-
Sonic Vibrations – With up to 14,000 vibrations per minute, the Slate Flosser removes plaque more efficiently than traditional floss.
-
Built-In Triple-Row Tongue Scraper – Because fresh breath starts with a clean tongue.
If you want to floss correctly and consistently without the hassle, upgrading to the Slate Flosser can be a game-changer.
→Take the frustration out of flossing—try the Slate Flosser today & see the difference←