How to Floss Your Teeth the Right Way

Brushing is great, but without flossing you’re missing 35% of each tooth's surface!

Proper dental flossing reaches those areas your toothbrush can't, like between your teeth and under the gum line.

Five easy steps on how to floss:

1. Select the right dental floss for you. Ask your dentist for recommendations.

2. Loosely wrap 18 inches of dental floss around your middle fingers until you have about 2 inches left between your fingers.

3. Hold floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss in a "C-shape" up and down between your teeth, working it beneath the gum line on both sides.

4. Move to a clean section of floss and repeat until you have cleaned around each tooth.

5. Rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash.

The TRICARE Dental Program has you covered

The TRICARE Dental Program can help with members’ oral health. Members are covered for two routine dental cleanings in a consecutive 12-month period. A third cleaning is allowed for pregnant patients as well as members diagnosed with diabetes, coronary artery disease (heart disease), cerebral vascular disease (stroke), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, oral cancer or recipients of an organ transplant. To qualify for the expanded benefits, register your condition online in My Account before visiting the dentist.

Keep in mind, TDP members also are covered for two topical fluoride treatments in a consecutive 12-month period. For complete benefit information, select this link.