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You brush twice a day, you use a fluoride toothpaste, and you see your dentist regularly. That\u2019s enough, right? Not quite.<\/p>\n
Brushing cleans the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot reach the tight spaces between them. In fact, brushing alone leaves about 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched. Those untouched areas are where plaque builds up, gums become inflamed, and cavities often start.<\/p>\n
Flossing is the only way to clean those hidden surfaces effectively. Yet many people skip it\u2014either because they find it awkward, they\u2019re unsure if they\u2019re doing it right, or they\u2019ve never been shown how.<\/p>\n
This guide covers why flossing matters, how to do it correctly, and what alternatives exist if traditional floss isn\u2019t working for you.<\/p>\n
Your teeth have five surfaces. Brushing covers three: the front, the back, and the chewing surface. The two surfaces between teeth\u2014where one tooth touches its neighbour\u2014are left untouched by a toothbrush.<\/p>\n
When plaque builds up in these areas, it triggers inflammation in the gums (gingivitis). Over time, that inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting your teeth. Cavities also commonly develop between teeth, often going unnoticed until they become large.<\/p>\n
Flossing disrupts the biofilm between teeth and below the gumline. Without it, you\u2019re leaving nearly half of your mouth\u2019s surfaces vulnerable.<\/p>\n
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Using floss correctly makes all the difference. Incorrect flossing can be ineffective or even cause gum irritation. Here\u2019s the proper technique.<\/p>\n
Break off about 40\u201345 cm of floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few centimetres to work with. Your index fingers and thumbs will guide the floss.<\/p>\n
Ease the floss between your teeth using a gentle back\u2011and\u2011forth motion. Never snap or force it down, as this can injure your gums.<\/p>\n
Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C\u2011shape against one tooth. Gently slide it just below the gumline (about 1\u20132 mm) until you feel slight resistance. This is important: plaque collects in that shallow crevice, and you need to clean it without hurting the tissue.<\/p>\n
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and move it up and down several times, scraping the side of the tooth. This dislodges plaque.<\/p>\n
Without removing the floss, curve it into a C\u2011shape against the neighbouring tooth and repeat the up\u2011and\u2011down motion.<\/p>\n
Unwind a fresh section of floss from your fingers as you move to each new space. Using a clean segment prevents transferring bacteria from one gap to another.<\/p>\n
Traditional string floss works well, but it\u2019s not the only option. If you have dexterity challenges, braces, bridges, or simply find string floss difficult, there are effective alternatives.<\/p>\n
These small, cone\u2011shaped brushes fit between teeth. They\u2019re often easier to handle than floss and are highly effective at removing plaque. Your dentist or hygienist can help you choose the correct size.<\/p>\n
A floss pick holds a short piece of floss taut on a plastic handle. It can be easier to reach back teeth, though you still need to ensure you\u2019re forming a C\u2011shape around each tooth.<\/p>\n
A water flosser uses a stream of water to flush out plaque and debris between teeth and below the gumline. It\u2019s excellent for people with braces, bridges, or gum disease. Studies show water flossers can reduce bleeding and inflammation effectively when used correctly.<\/p>\n
These flexible rubber picks can gently clean between teeth and massage gums. They\u2019re a good option for people with wider gaps between teeth, but they may not fit tight contacts.<\/p>\n
If you have braces or a fixed bridge, floss threaders help you guide floss under wires or between pontics (false teeth). Your dental team can show you how.<\/p>\n
Flossing once a day is sufficient, as long as you do it thoroughly. The most important factor is consistency, not the time of day.<\/p>\n
Some people prefer flossing at night so they go to bed with clean interdental spaces. Others floss in the morning or after lunch. If you floss at night, you remove the day\u2019s plaque before it sits against your gums for hours.<\/p>\n
The order doesn\u2019t matter\u2014you can floss before or after brushing. If you floss after brushing, you may want to avoid rinsing the toothpaste away immediately, as the fluoride needs time to work.<\/p>\n
If your gums bleed when you floss, don\u2019t stop. Bleeding usually means the gums are inflamed due to plaque buildup. Continuing to floss gently, along with thorough brushing, will remove the plaque, and the bleeding should subside within one to two weeks.<\/p>\n
If bleeding persists despite consistent, gentle flossing, it\u2019s worth having your dentist or oral health therapist to check for signs of gum disease or other contributing factors.<\/p>\n
Flossing isn\u2019t optional\u2014it\u2019s essential. Brushing alone misses 40% of your tooth surfaces, leaving plaque to build up between teeth and under the gumline. Proper flossing technique (C\u2011shape, going slightly below the gumline) removes that plaque and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n
If traditional floss doesn\u2019t suit you, alternatives like interdental brushes, water flossers, or floss picks can be just as effective when used correctly. The best choice is the one you\u2019ll use consistently.<\/p>\n
Not sure if your flossing technique is working? At Dental Clinique in Hawthorn, we\u2019re happy to show you the ropes. During a routine check\u2011up, our team can demonstrate proper technique, recommend tools suited to your needs, and check for any areas that need extra attention.<\/p>\n
We welcome patients from across Melbourne\u2019s eastern suburbs, including Kew, Camberwell, and Richmond.<\/p>\n
Want to improve your flossing routine? Book a consultation at Dental Clinique today.<\/p>\n
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Written by Dr Shivam Rishi, (DEN0002881205: Registered Dentist, General Registration)<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"