Dental Floss: Why It's Essential and How to Use It Correctly

Tooth brushing, no matter how correctly done, cannot reach the interdental spaces — the areas where bacterial plaque most frequently accumulates.

Dental floss removes food debris and bacterial plaque from spaces where the brush cannot reach. Daily use reduces the risk of interdental caries by up to 40% and the risk of gum disease by 60%.

Correct technique: Cut about 18 inches (45 cm) of floss, insert it gently between the teeth in a sawing motion, then curve it into a C shape around each tooth.

Don't floss suddenly—you can hurt the gum. If the gums bleed initially, the bleeding usually stops within 1-2 weeks.

Modern alternatives: interdental brushes, oral irrigators and dental floss with support.

Ideal time: at least once a day, preferably in the evening, before brushing at night.