Very tight contact points can make flossing difficult. A common mistake is increasing force until the floss suddenly snaps through and hits the gum, which can cause irritation.
Choose suitable floss
Thin or waxed floss may pass through tight spaces more easily. Guide it with gentle side-to-side movements instead of pushing vertically with force.
What if the floss keeps fraying?
Repeated catching or fraying in the same place can have several causes, including an uneven filling surface. Do not try to widen the space yourself; show the problem to a dentist.
After passing the contact point
Place the floss against the side of one tooth, move it gently up and down, then repeat on the adjacent surface.
Read the basic guide to correct flossing technique.
