Are You Flossing the Right Way?

You brush your teeth every morning and every night. So, do you really need to floss too?

Yes — because your toothbrush can't effectively clean every surface between your teeth.

Flossing or using another interdental cleaning method helps remove plaque and food debris from areas that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach. Making interdental cleaning part of your oral hygiene routine can help support healthier teeth and gums.

At BeauDent Family Dental in Beaumont, we believe good oral health starts with simple habits at home. Here's what you should know about flossing and how to make it easier.

Why Is Flossing Important?

Your teeth have surfaces that sit closely beside one another. While brushing does an excellent job of cleaning the exposed surfaces of your teeth, toothbrush bristles may not adequately clean the tight spaces between them.

Plaque can accumulate in these areas. If it isn't regularly removed, it can contribute to problems such as:

• Cavities between the teeth
• Gum inflammation
• Bleeding or tender gums
• Bad breath
• Gum disease

Flossing helps clean these hard-to-reach areas and works alongside brushing, rather than replacing it.

How Often Should You Floss?

For most people, cleaning between the teeth once a day is a good routine.

The best time is the time you're most likely to do it consistently. Some people prefer flossing before bed, while others incorporate it into their morning routine.

What's more important is making interdental cleaning a regular habit.

Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

Don't let this question stop you from flossing altogether!

A practical routine is to floss first and then brush with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing can loosen plaque and debris between the teeth, followed by thorough brushing.

More important than the exact order, however, is cleaning both between your teeth and the surfaces you can reach with your toothbrush consistently.

How to Floss Properly

Good technique matters.

Take a comfortable length of dental floss and gently guide it between two teeth. Avoid snapping the floss forcefully into your gums.

Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it around the side of one tooth in a C-shape. Gently move the floss up and down along the tooth surface and slightly below the gumline.

Then clean the neighbouring tooth before moving on to the next space.

Use a clean section of floss as you progress around your mouth.

Remember: Gentle Is Better. Flossing shouldn't be aggressive. Applying too much force can irritate or injure your gums.

My Gums Bleed When I Floss. Should I Stop?

Not necessarily.

Gums may bleed when plaque has accumulated around the gumline, particularly if you haven't been flossing regularly. However, persistent bleeding can also be a sign of gum inflammation or another oral health concern.

If your gums continue to bleed, feel swollen or remain tender, it's worth having them assessed by a dental professional rather than simply ignoring the symptoms.

What If I Hate Traditional Floss?

Traditional string floss isn't the only way to clean between your teeth.

Depending on your teeth and oral health needs, alternatives can include floss picks, interdental brushes and water flossers. People with braces, bridges, dental implants or larger spaces between their teeth may benefit from a particular type of interdental cleaner.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you which option is most appropriate and how to use it correctly.

Can Flossing Help With Bad Breath?

It can.

Food debris and plaque can remain between teeth even after brushing. Cleaning between the teeth helps remove some of the material and bacteria that can contribute to unpleasant breath.

However, persistent bad breath can have several causes. If it continues despite good brushing and flossing habits, consider discussing it with your dentist.

Flossing Is Only Part of the Picture

Healthy teeth and gums aren't about one habit alone.

A good home-care routine generally includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth regularly, and attending appropriate dental examinations and professional cleanings.

Your dental team can also recommend a routine based on your individual oral health, restorations, orthodontic treatment and risk factors.