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GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS
410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150 Glendora, CA 91740(626) 963-9112
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Flossing

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

What is flossing?

Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord you insert and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth.

Why is flossing important?

Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. In any event, daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life. It also increases blood circulation in your gums. Floss removes plaque and debris that stick to your teeth and gums.

How often to floss

Floss at least once every day. Like brushing, flossing should take about three minutes and can easily be done while doing another activity, such as watching television. Do not attempt to floss your teeth while operating a motor vehicle or other machinery.

Flossing techniques

There are two common methods for flossing, the "spool method" and the "loop method".

The spool method is the most popular for those who do not have problems with stiff joints or fingers. The spool method works like this: Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle finger. Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the middle finger of your other hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Move the floss between your teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Maneuver the floss up and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth. While doing this, make sure you go below the gum line, where bacteria are known to collect heavily.

The loop method is often effective for children or adults with dexterity problems like arthritis. The loop method works like this: Break off about 18 inches of floss and form it into a circle. Tie it securely with two or three knots. Place all of your fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through your lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line and forming a "C" on the side of the tooth.

With either method of flossing, never "snap" the floss because this can cut your gums. Make sure that you gently scrape the side of each tooth with the floss.

Your gums may be tender or even bleed for the first few days after flossing - a condition that generally heals within a few days.


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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • General Dentistry
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • Periodontal Exams
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
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    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
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    • Jaw/TMJ
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    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
      • Invisalign®
      • Crowns and Bridges
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
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Our Location

410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 963-9112

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday:by appointment only
Sunday:Closed

Patient Testimonials

 
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The is absolutely gentle and pleasant

- James E 10/6/2016

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Every person on the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, especially Dr. Francisco.

- John V 9/15/2016

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Communication was strong.

- Michael H 9/4/2016

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Most accommodating doctor and excellent staff. Amazing doctor. The best corrective...More

- Brettina V 8/6/2016

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Dr. Francisco operates a pain-free practice. In addition, she is warm and personable....More

- Marti G 7/30/2016

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Great experience. Very personable. Very professional. Very caring. :)

- Noel B 7/19/2016

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Dr. Francisco and her staff are very warm and friendly. The office is very clean, and...More

- Anonymous 6/5/2016

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Great cleaning wonderful hygenist,Dr Francisco was so thorough. Explained everything...More

- Brettina V 5/22/2016

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Hands down, superior service. Dr. Melissa is very knowledgeable yet tells you like she's...More

- Sean M 4/14/2016

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My son has some anxiety issues, and Dr. Francisco and her staff were wonderful with him....More

- Benjamin B 3/15/2016

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You want my feedback...? She's the best, sincerely cares about what's going on in your...More

- Thomas C 2/7/2016

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Dr. Francisco is awesome! !!

- Arturo O 1/13/2016

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Great services, professional in every aspect.

- Paul B 12/29/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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From my first contact via email to my first office visit, and following visits, every...More

- Pamela C 12/12/2015

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After not going to the dentist for so long I was really afraid to go and see what's...More

- Sandy G 11/7/2015

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My name is spelled Marti, not Marty, but that's the only thing Dr. Francisco's office...More

- Marti G 10/17/2015

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Dr. Francisco was the best dentist I have ever seen! I really appreciated her caring...More

- Elaine H 10/13/2015

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Dr. Francisco is a patient and gentle doctor. She was amazingly calm.

- Annabelle B 10/8/2015

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Very impressed with knowledgeable staff and Dr. Very gentle and detailed.

- Tammy O 9/15/2015

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Dr. Francisco is the best dentist I've ever had and I've had a few. She is very caring...More

- Rachielle L 7/15/2015

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While looking for a local Dentist in the Glendora area, I was fortunate enough to locate...More

- Diego T 7/15/2015

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I left a female dentist who I loved so when I moved to Glendora, I was determined to...More

- Marti G 7/15/2015

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No complaints at all - Excellent Dentist and staff. I'm not new to dental work so you...More

- Anonymous 6/29/2015

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Dentist - Glendora, GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS, 410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150, Glendora, CA 91740 (310) 567-7407

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