Dental Floss Uses With its light wax coating and its shred-resistant texture, it slides easily between your teeth and below the gumline. It helps clean the tough-to-get plaque away. Directions Wind 18 in. (or 45cm) of EssentialFloss dental floss around middle fingers. Gently slide floss between teeth and under the gumline. Use an up and down motion to remove plaque and debris. Repeat between all teeth contacts, advancing floss to a clean section each time