Dental floss is often overlooked in daily oral hygiene routines, despite playing a crucial role in preventing serious dental problems. Most people consider brushing enough, but the truth is that a toothbrush can only reach about 60% of the total tooth surface. The remaining 40% – especially the spaces between teeth and under the gum line – remain covered with plaque, bacteria, and food debris if flossing is neglected.
Many patients openly admit they floss “occasionally” or “when they remember”, and few develop the habit of doing it daily. However, that very “skipping” can mark the beginning of problems such as gingivitis, bad breath, interproximal caries, and even periodontitis.
Below, we explain what exactly happens when you regularly skip flossing, why brushing alone is not enough, and how small routine changes can protect your teeth and gums in the long run.
What happens when you neglect dental floss?
Regular cleaning between teeth removes soft plaque, which quickly hardens into tartar. When plaque remains for more than 24 to 48 hours, mineralisation begins – and at that stage it can no longer be removed by brushing or flossing, only by professional cleaning.
Here’s what can follow if you don’t floss:
• Buildup of plaque and development of cavities between teeth – interproximal caries often progresses silently, without pain, until serious damage has occurred.
• Gum inflammation (gingivitis) – the first sign of trouble, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing.
• Periodontitis – if gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to the breakdown of supporting bone and tissue, causing gum recession and loose teeth.
• Bad breath – food particles and bacteria that remain between teeth can cause unpleasant odours that can’t be resolved by rinsing or chewing gum.
• Aesthetic issues – yellowish deposits between teeth are visible when smiling and can spoil your appearance, even if the teeth are whitened.
Skipping flossing is therefore not harmless – it is a direct path towards costly dental treatments in the future. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, the damage can be prevented.
Which tooth surfaces can’t a toothbrush reach?
No matter how good your brushing technique is, even the most advanced toothbrushes – manual or electric – can’t clean every surface of the tooth. The spaces between teeth, known as interproximal areas, are particularly problematic. These are the spots where food particles, bacteria, and plaque accumulate most often, because the areas are narrow and hidden, and the brush simply can’t reach them.
The impurities that remain there are not just an aesthetic problem. They soon cause chronic inflammation, tartar buildup, and even tooth loss. Bacteria from these hidden areas can also spread below the gum line and cause deeper infections invisible without a professional examination.
Dental floss is the only tool that physically reaches between teeth and removes trapped deposits. Interdental brushes are also helpful, but they’re not suitable for everyone – especially when teeth are tightly spaced.
Bleeding while flossing – normal or a warning sign?
Many people stop flossing as soon as they notice bleeding, thinking they’ve injured their gums. Paradoxically, bleeding is not a sign to stop – it’s a sign to continue!
Bleeding gums while flossing usually indicate existing inflammation. Inflamed gums react to mechanical stimulation by bleeding, and the most common cause of inflammation is plaque that has remained there for days or weeks.
The good news is that with regular flossing (at least once daily), the condition quickly improves. For most people, bleeding stops within 3 to 7 days of consistent use.
If, however, bleeding persists, becomes heavier, or is accompanied by pain and swelling, you should visit your dentist, as it could be a sign of periodontitis or another infection.
How to floss properly
Proper flossing technique is essential for effectiveness and to avoid injury. Here are the basic steps:
Unwind about 30–40 cm of floss, wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around the middle finger of the other.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 2–3 cm to work with.
Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a back-and-forth motion – never force it through.
Curve the floss into a C-shape around one tooth and move it gently up and down along the surface.
Repeat the process for the adjacent tooth in the same gap.
Use a clean section of floss for each new tooth.
Never use force – the floss should not damage the gums, only gently clean them. If you’re unsure about your technique, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for a demonstration – it can make a big difference.
Dental floss vs interdental brushes – which is better?
Choosing between floss and interdental brushes depends on your teeth’s anatomy, spacing, and individual needs.
Dental floss is a better choice for:
• closely spaced teeth with minimal gaps
• younger individuals with tight tooth contacts
• prevention of cavities between teeth
Interdental brushes are more suitable for:
• wider spaces between teeth
• implants and bridges
• people with gum problems or receding gums
Ideally, both are combined – floss for tight areas and interdental brushes wherever possible. Your dentist can help determine the best combination for your mouth.
Special situations – braces, implants, and bridges
Using floss in special cases such as braces, implants, or bridges requires extra care but should never be skipped.
Braces
Fixed orthodontic appliances make flossing more difficult due to wires and brackets. In these cases, it’s recommended to use:
• special orthodontic floss with a stiffened end that can be threaded under the wire
• floss holders for easier handling
• water flossers as a supplement (but not a replacement)
Regular flossing prevents plaque buildup around brackets and under wires, helping to avoid decalcification and cavities.
Dental implants
Although implants can’t decay, the surrounding tissue (gum and bone) can develop peri-implantitis – an inflammation that can cause implant loss. Maintaining hygiene around implants is therefore essential.
Soft, wide, and gentle implant-specific floss is recommended for daily use, and patients should receive personalised hygiene instructions and attend regular check-ups.
Dental bridges
Bridges replace missing teeth but leave space under the “floating” part where food and plaque easily accumulate. For cleaning that area, use:
• super floss (with a spongy middle section)
• threader floss with a guiding tip
• interdental water flossers as an additional aid
Proper bridge maintenance ensures the longevity of the structure and the protection of the surrounding teeth.
Common myths about dental floss
Despite numerous awareness campaigns, many people still avoid flossing because of misconceptions. Some of the most common ones include:
“If my gums bleed, flossing isn’t good for me.”
Fact: Bleeding is a sign of existing inflammation, not that floss is harmful. Regular flossing usually resolves bleeding.
“I use a water flosser, so I don’t need dental floss.”
Fact: A water flosser can be a helpful addition, but it does not replace the mechanical cleaning that floss provides.
“I have an electric toothbrush – that’s enough.”
Fact: Even the most advanced toothbrush cannot clean between teeth as effectively as floss.
“My teeth are too close together – floss can’t fit.”
Fact: Ultra-thin floss types exist, and your dentist can recommend the best one for you.
When and how to introduce flossing to children
Teaching proper hygiene habits early is the best investment in long-term oral health. Flossing is recommended:
• from the moment a child has two teeth that touch – usually between ages 2 and 4
• with parental assistance – parents should floss their child’s teeth until around age 8–10
• through positive reinforcement – using educational videos, colouring books, or small rewards
Children who learn to floss early have a significantly lower risk of developing cavities between teeth and gingivitis later in life.
Older adults and dental floss – challenges and advice
With age, motor skills and vision can decline, making oral care more difficult. Older adults often:
• have bridges or implants
• suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia)
• take medications that increase the risk of inflammation
In such cases, it’s recommended to use:
• floss holders for easier grip
• special interdental aids (brushes, super floss)
• regular check-ups and professional cleaning
For denture wearers, although there’s no need to floss between teeth, it’s still important to clean the area between the denture and gums and maintain any remaining natural teeth.
Time for change – introducing floss into your daily routine
Many people floss occasionally but not daily. However, real improvement in gum health and cavity prevention only comes with consistent use.
If you’re new to flossing, here are a few practical tips:
• Start with one section of your mouth per day (for example, upper left quadrant).
• Leave a reminder note in the bathroom.
• Pair flossing with a daily activity like listening to music or a podcast.
• Try floss picks if regular floss feels difficult to handle.
This simple habit takes only 2–3 minutes a day but provides long-term benefits.
Dental floss – a small habit with a big impact
Neglecting dental floss can have greater consequences than many realise. While brushing is essential for oral hygiene, it simply isn’t enough to clean all tooth surfaces – especially the spaces between them. Those narrow, hard-to-reach areas are where plaque forms, bacteria thrive, and the process of decay and gum inflammation begins.
By adding dental floss to your daily routine:
• you prevent cavities between teeth
• You reduce the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis
• your teeth stay cleaner, whiter, and healthier
• you reduce bad breath
• You boost the effectiveness of all other oral care methods
Regardless of your age, dental condition, or past habits, flossing is one of the simplest, most affordable, and most effective ways to maintain oral health.
If you’re unsure which type of floss suits you best – classic, orthodontic, super floss, floss pick, or another – your dentist can help you choose the right option and teach you the proper technique.
If your gums often bleed, you have bad breath, or feel discomfort between teeth, the likely cause is plaque that floss can remove. Acting early can prevent more serious problems.
The Esthea team is here to help with professional teeth cleaning, education on proper oral hygiene, and personalised advice on choosing the right floss and other aids.
Your oral health begins between your teeth – and it all starts with floss.