Daily dental care doesn’t end with brushing your teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste — it requires one additional and essential step: using dental floss.
While brushing cleans the outer surface of the teeth, the spaces between teeth remain an ideal environment for food debris and bacteria buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation.
That’s where dental floss comes in — it’s an essential part of any oral care routine, not only to improve dental health but also to prevent problems like bad breath and gum bleeding.
The Importance of Dental Floss
The importance of dental floss lies in its ability to clean areas that toothbrushes can’t reach. It effectively removes plaque and food particles stuck between teeth and beneath the gum line, reducing the risk of gum disease and enamel erosion.
Dentists recommend using dental floss once a day, preferably before bedtime, to maintain comprehensive oral cleanliness. Studies show that people who floss regularly enjoy better oral health compared to those who rely solely on brushing.
Types of Dental Floss
Today, there’s a wide range of dental floss types that suit different needs depending on mouth structure, gum sensitivity, and ease of use. Here are the most common types:
Nylon Floss (Multifilament):
This is the most common type, made from multiple strands of braided nylon. It’s available in flavored or unflavored options, and comes as dental tape or thin string floss. Although effective, it may shred or break easily if teeth are tightly spaced.
PTFE Floss (Monofilament):
Also known as Teflon floss, this type is made from a tear-resistant material. It’s preferred for people with closely spaced teeth, as it slides easily between them without fraying or tearing.
Natural Silk Floss (for Sensitive Gums):
This eco-friendly and gentle option is suitable for people sensitive to synthetic materials. While it’s soft on gums, it’s less common due to its higher cost.
Traditional Floss:
One of the earliest types of floss, the unwaxed traditional floss requires good control and proper handling to avoid gum injury. It’s typically wound around the middle fingers of both hands and guided between teeth.
Floss Picks (Floss Holders):
This type comes in the form of a small plastic tool with a piece of floss stretched across its tip, making it easier to use — especially for children, elderly individuals, or anyone who struggles with manual flossing.
Water Flosser (Oral Irrigator):
A modern alternative that cleans between teeth using a jet of water. It’s ideal for those with orthodontic braces or gum disease, though it’s more expensive than regular floss.
How to Use Dental Floss Properly?
To get the full benefit of flossing, it’s important to use the correct technique to remove debris without injuring the gums:
- Cut 45 cm of floss: Use a long enough piece to ensure a clean section for each tooth, preventing bacteria transfer.
- Wrap most of it around the middle fingers: Leave a small section between your hands for controlled movement.
- Stand in front of a mirror: Make sure the floss reaches the desired spot between teeth.
- Gently slide between teeth: Avoid applying too much force to prevent gum injury.
- Form a C-shape around the tooth: Once you reach the gum line, curve the floss around the side of the tooth to form a “C” and scrape gently.
- For upper teeth: Create an upside-down “U” shape with the floss, moving it up one side of the tooth and down the other.
- Remove the floss gently.
- Move to the next tooth: Repeat the process until all teeth are cleaned.
- Use a clean section for each tooth to prevent bacteria spread.
Common Mistakes When Using Dental Floss
Although flossing is simple, some incorrect practices can lead to the opposite of the desired effect:
Using the same section for all teeth: This spreads bacteria throughout the mouth.
Excessive pressure: Applying too much force can cause gum bleeding or irritation, discouraging continued flossing.
Not reaching the gum line: Many only floss between teeth without cleaning just beneath the gum line, where plaque builds up most.
Skipping the back teeth: Ignoring molars is a mistake — they’re the most prone to food debris accumulation.
Benefits of Dental Floss
Flossing daily isn’t just a cosmetic or routine step — it’s a preventive practice that significantly supports oral and dental health and reduces emergency visits to the dentist. Here are the main proven benefits:
1. Prevention of Interdental Tooth Decay:
Most cavities begin in areas unreachable by the toothbrush — between teeth. Dental floss removes food debris and plaque precisely from these spaces, preventing gradual enamel erosion and decay.
2. Strengthening Gums and Preventing Gum Disease:
Proper flossing cleans the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate, helping prevent gingivitis, reducing swelling, and protecting against advanced periodontal disease that can lead to tooth mobility or loss.
3. Reducing Oral Bacteria:
Bacteria feed on food particles and produce acids that erode enamel. Flossing removes these residues, reducing bacterial growth and preventing plaque and tartar buildup — the main causes of oral disease.
4. Enhancing Toothpaste and Toothbrush Effectiveness:
Flossing before brushing opens up spaces between teeth, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to reach all surfaces and enhance cavity protection.
5. Reducing Stains and Discoloration:
Food and plaque residues can cause gradual staining. Regular use of dental floss helps maintain the natural tooth color and prevents discoloration, especially in tight spaces.
6. Preventing Bad Breath:
Accumulated debris and bacteria cause unpleasant mouth odor, which can become chronic. Flossing prevents these buildups, keeping breath fresh and clean.
7. Reducing Future Treatment Costs:
Prevention is always cheaper than treatment. Regular flossing helps avoid the need for fillings, root canal treatments, or tooth extractions due to neglect.
8. Improving Overall Health:
Studies show a direct link between oral health and general health. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, lungs, and even pregnancy. Flossing once daily can play a major role in preventing multiple systemic diseases.
9. Better Results with Braces or Dental Restorations:
If you wear orthodontic braces, bridges, or crowns, flossing becomes even more important. It removes plaque from areas that brushes can’t reach, preserving both restorations and natural teeth.
10. Stimulating Gum Blood Flow:
Gently sliding floss along the gumline stimulates circulation in gum tissues, improving immunity and aiding cell regeneration — a natural massage that keeps gums healthy.
The Truth About Flossing Risks
When done incorrectly, flossing can sometimes harm the gums or teeth. In rare cases, it can even release bacteria into the bloodstream, causing infection. That’s why floss should always be used gently and consistently to protect your oral health.
When Should You Floss?
Knowing when to floss can also improve your oral hygiene routine. Some people brush first, then floss — however, it’s generally recommended to floss before brushing.
Flossing lifts and removes food and plaque between teeth, while brushing afterward removes the loosened debris. If you brush first and floss after, food and plaque can remain in your mouth until your next brushing session.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once daily and brushing twice daily.
Conclusion
Using dental floss might seem like a small step, but it makes a huge difference in protecting your teeth and gums over time. Whether you prefer traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser, what truly matters is maintaining a daily habit of cleaning between your teeth — at least once a day and using the correct method.
Dentists always emphasize including flossing in your daily oral care routine because it’s the first line of defense against tooth decay and gum inflammation. Don’t underestimate this step — two minutes of flossing each day can save you from complex dental problems and costly treatments later.
Start today and train yourself to floss properly — because your smile deserves real care.
