How to Floss Properly

Why Flossing Is Essential

No matter how thorough your brushing is, your toothbrush simply cannot reach between your teeth. Those tight contact points between neighbouring teeth account for roughly 35% of your total tooth surface area — and they're prime territory for plaque build-up and decay. In my Carlow practice, the cavities I find most often are located precisely in these areas, between the teeth where only floss or interdental aids can clean.

Flossing removes plaque and trapped food particles from these surfaces before they can cause harm. It's the one daily habit that, when added to proper brushing, makes the biggest difference to long-term oral health.

The Benefits of Regular Flossing

• Prevents interproximal cavities — the most common type of cavity I see in adults
• Reduces gum disease risk — plaque between teeth is a leading cause of gingivitis and periodontitis
• Freshens breath — trapped food particles between teeth are a major source of bad breath
• Protects your investment — if you have crowns, bridges, or other dental work, flossing helps them last longer
• Saves money — prevention is always less expensive than treatment

When Should You Floss?

Once a day is sufficient. The most important thing is consistency — pick a time that works for you and stick with it. Many of my patients find it easiest to floss before brushing at night, so the fluoride from their toothpaste can reach between the freshly cleaned teeth. But any time of day is better than not flossing at all.

Who Needs to Floss?

Everyone with two or more teeth in contact should floss daily. This applies regardless of age, though the technique and tools may vary:

• Children should start flossing once they have two teeth that touch, usually around age two or three. Parents will need to do it for them initially.
• Adults with bridges or fixed dental work may need specialised floss threaders.
• Patients with bridges will need superfloss or floss threaders to clean underneath the pontic.
• Those with dexterity issues may find floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers easier to use.

What If You Don't Floss?

The areas between your teeth become breeding grounds for bacteria. Over time, this leads to:

• Cavities forming on the sides of your teeth — often only visible on X-rays until they become quite large
• Gum inflammation that can progress to bone loss around the teeth
• Chronic bad breath that brushing and mouthwash can't fully address
• More frequent and more costly dental treatment

Learn the Technique

I've prepared a detailed guide to proper flossing technique, including step-by-step instructions, alternative tools for those who find traditional floss difficult, and answers to common questions like whether bleeding gums are normal when you start flossing.

If you find flossing difficult or uncomfortable, please mention it at your next visit. I can demonstrate the technique in person and suggest the best tool for your particular situation — there's no one-size-fits-all approach, and finding the right method for you makes all the difference.