Certain members of the household may have no trouble with flossing with their hands and hips. The question is: Can they floss just as well between their teeth and gums?

With these four tips, they can feel just as confident with either type of flossing.

Faster isn’t better

Over-flossing is likely caused by speed.

Rushing through the process makes it nearly impossible to work steadily and consistently. Speeding up does not make flossing more efficient. Instead, it can lead to gum injury and pain.

In addition, those who decided to go faster may miss plaque build-up between their teeth. Worse, speed flossing can lead to permanent gum recession.

Don’t ignore the gums

While flossing improperly can cause gum damage, that’s no reason to ignore them.

Plaque removal from beneath the gum line is one of the most important outcomes of flossing – when done the right way.

Flossing is the perfect combo to go alongside brushing because it’s able to reach areas toothbrushes simply cannot. Good thing, too, because plaque that isn’t addressed by flossing can harden, causing inflammation or even disease.

Once the floss is gently between two teeth, it’s important to move it closer to the gum and wrap the tooth in a C-shape. At this point, slide it up or down away from the gum to capture and remove plaque.

The key is to not move too quickly and risk injury.

Avoid snapping

Flossing shouldn’t be like plucking guitar strings.

This happens with flossing when extra force is used to push the floss between the teeth’s contact points.

Yanking and pulling on the floss are not advisable. This approach to finding the right angle will lead to sudden snapping upon the gums.

Instead, take your time to find the right angle and slide between the teeth in that manner. You’ll be happy you did.

Think outside the floss box

The standard floss box we’re all familiar with isn’t the only ideal way to floss.

If string floss isn’t a favorite, you may consider using floss picks or disposable plastic devices that hold pre-threaded floss.

Electronic flossing methods, such as water flossing, can also do the trick using jets of pressurized water that blasts away gunk between your teeth.