Yonca Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic
Learn what dental floss is, why it matters, how to use it correctly, and how cleaning between your teeth can support better oral health.
Do you brush your teeth regularly but still feel that food gets stuck between them? Or have you ever wondered how a cavity developed between two teeth even though you brush every day? The reason can be quite simple: a toothbrush cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth effectively, but its bristles cannot always reach the narrow spaces where teeth touch. This is where dental floss becomes useful.
Dental floss is a thin oral-care product designed to remove food debris and dental plaque from between the teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on and around the teeth. If it is not regularly removed, especially from hard-to-reach areas, it can contribute to tooth decay and gum problems.
Flossing is not just about removing visible pieces of food. For example, you may immediately notice a small piece of food stuck between two teeth after dinner. The thin layer of plaque forming in the same area, however, is much harder to notice. Floss helps mechanically remove this layer by making direct contact with the sides of the teeth.
How you use floss is also important. Instead of quickly pushing it between the teeth and pulling it out, guide it gently and with control. Once the floss is between two teeth, curve it into a C shape against the side of one tooth and move it gently from near the gumline upward. Repeat the same movement against the neighbouring tooth. This cleans both surfaces facing the space between the teeth.
A small but important tip: Pressing floss hard into the gums does not provide better cleaning and may irritate the tissue. Some people may notice mild bleeding when they first begin flossing regularly. If bleeding continues or is accompanied by noticeable pain, swelling or sensitivity, consult your dentist rather than assuming flossing is the only cause.
There are several types of floss available, including waxed and unwaxed floss, floss picks and products of different thicknesses. People with very tight spaces between their teeth may prefer a thinner floss that slides more easily. For wider spaces, an interdental brush may be more suitable. If you have bridges, implants or orthodontic braces, your cleaning needs may be different, so it is best to ask your dentist which method is appropriate for you.
One common mistake is using floss only when food becomes stuck between the teeth. Flossing is more useful when it becomes part of your regular oral-care routine. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends cleaning between the teeth with floss or another suitable interdental cleaner once a day. Whether you do it in the morning or evening is less important than doing it regularly and correctly.
If you are new to flossing, you do not need to master the technique immediately. Tonight, take a few extra minutes after brushing and gently clean between your teeth. If floss is difficult to use or you are unsure which interdental cleaning product suits you, ask your dentist at your next appointment. This small daily habit can help clean areas that your toothbrush alone may not reach.