We are constantly being nagged to floss , with dental experts claiming it can add years to our life . But according to one dentist , most of us have been doing it incorrectly for years . Dr Carlos Meulener , a dentist from New Jersey , has released a video showing the best way to floss teeth in order to have the healthiest smile . ‘ Brushing is great but it ’ s not enough - you need flossing to remove the bacteria between the teeth , ’ he says . Dr Calos Meulener has released a video showing his 'one minute flossing technique ' which he says helps rid the mouth of bacteria . He is pictured holding floss between two thumbs , about an inch apart . He advises taking a piece of wax dental floss and winding it up with the index fingers , but not so tightly that it hurts . When flossing the upper row of teeth , put the thumbs around an inch apart from each other on the floss . Dr Meulener said : ‘ The reason why most people have a problem flossing is that they try to get too much floss in their mouths . ‘ The way to control it is to use your thumbs for your upper teeth and middle fingers for your lower teeth . ‘ Put that amount of floss between these fingers so you can manipulate it easily from one side to the next. ’ Then , put the floss between two teeth and floss in and up and down motion along the teeth , rather than a sawing motion from side to side . 1 . Take a piece of wax dental floss and put each thumb about and inch apart . 2 . Put the floss between the upper teeth . 3 . Keeping the back thumb stationary , move the front thumb up and down to floss the tooth . 4 . Do not floss in a 'sawing motion ' - back and forth - but up and down , rubbing the floss up and down the tooth . 5 . Repeat using the middle fingers for the bottom teeth . ‘ We ’ re flossing the walls of one tooth and the other tooth and polishing the bacteria off those surfaces , ’ Dr Meulener said . One thumb should stay stationary while the other thumb is moved up and down , creating the flossing motion . Similarly , when flossing the lower teeth , one middle finger should stay stationary while the other is moved , it in order to manipulate the floss so it rubs up and down against the inside of the tooth . Dr Meulener says this method , which takes just a minute , is the best and most efficient way to floss . He said : ‘ It takes a minute and it really makes a difference to dental health. ’ In the past , studies have shown that flossing teeth can prevent the build up of plaque , which sticks to teeth and causes irritation , inflammation to gums known as gum disease . Gum disease causes bad breath , bleeding gums and , if untreated , cavities , receding gums and tooth loss . Worldwide , 15- 20 per cent of adults aged 35-44 years have severe gum disease , which may result in the loss of teeth . He advises using two thumbs for the upper teeth , or two middle fingers for the lower teeth , and flossing in an 'up and down ' motion rather than 'sawing ' from side to side . In the UK , the The Adult Dental Health Survey of 2009 found 47 per cent of the population had moderate to severe gum disease - around 30 million people . Research shows losing teeth could signal a higher risk of suffering heart disease and diabetes . Swedish researchers found people with fewer teeth and bleeding gums were more likely to have a range of cardiovascular problems , including heart disease , high blood pressure and high cholesterol . They found poor dental hygiene and bleeding gums could allow up to 700 different types of bacteria to get into the bloodstream , which increases the risk of a heart attack regardless of how fit and healthy the person is . Previous studies have also linked bad teeth to Alzheimer 's , heart disease , strokes , diabetes , lung disease and even miscarriage and premature birth .
Video features Dr Carlos Meulener , a dentist from New Jersey , . He claims most people have been flossing incorrectly for years . Score: 7