i use the floss on a plastic stick to reach the back of my teeth. i been flossing after every meal now breakfast, lunch, dinner. any food that is stuck between your teeth it can decay and become rotten. you can't even see it. the rotten food particles can become toxins and cause infection. i keep my mouth clean after every meal, so i don't snack anymore. infact i eat less now because i know i have to floss after every time i eat. i been cleaning my mouth for 3 weeks now, but i still have peeling lips. i will continue to clean and floss my mouth.