Flossing is an important part of a daily oral hygiene routine, cleaning surfaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. This practice is foundational for maintaining healthy gums and the underlying structures that support your teeth. Incorporating interdental cleaning into your routine disrupts the colonies of microorganisms that constantly form in the tight spaces between teeth, protecting the tissues from the negative effects of bacterial accumulation.
The Mechanical Action of Flossing
The primary goal of flossing is the mechanical disruption and removal of plaque biofilm, a sticky, organized film of bacteria. This biofilm rapidly accumulates on all tooth surfaces, especially where teeth meet, areas brushing alone cannot access. Flossing introduces a physical barrier that scrapes the bacterial film from these hard-to-reach interproximal spaces.
The floss is maneuvered not only between the teeth but also into the gingival sulcus, the shallow pocket just beneath the gum line. This space is a prime location for bacterial colonization that leads to inflammation. By physically removing the biofilm from the sulcus and the sides of the teeth, flossing prevents the maturation of these bacterial colonies.
The mechanical action is essential because the bacteria are encased in a protective extra-cellular matrix, making them resilient against saliva and mouthrinses. Only the physical scraping motion of the floss can effectively break apart this protective layer and lift the plaque away. This thorough interproximal cleaning addresses approximately 40% of the tooth surface area that brushing misses. Consistent disruption of the biofilm prevents it from hardening into calculus, or tartar, which requires professional removal.
Halting the Development of Gum Disease
Failure to remove plaque biofilm from interdental spaces leads directly to gum disease, which occurs in distinct stages. The initial stage is gingivitis, characterized by the body’s inflammatory response to bacterial toxins. Symptoms include gums that appear red, are swollen, and may bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
Gingivitis is reversible because the underlying support structures of the teeth have not yet been damaged. Diligent plaque removal, including daily flossing, allows the inflammation to subside and the gums to return to health. If plaque is not regularly removed, the inflammatory process progresses beyond the gum tissue, leading to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more serious and irreversible condition where chronic inflammation destroys the connective fibers and underlying bone anchoring the teeth. This destruction results in deeper periodontal pockets and detachment of the gum from the tooth root. Without intervention, this progressive bone loss can cause teeth to loosen and eventually require extraction. Flossing helps halt this progression by managing the plaque load and preventing gingivitis from developing into destructive periodontitis.
Mastering the Proper Flossing Technique
To achieve effective plaque removal, a specific method must be applied when using traditional string floss. Start with approximately 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers and leaving an inch or two tautly held between your thumbs and index fingers for control. Gently guide the floss between the teeth using a slight back-and-forth motion to pass the contact point without snapping it onto the gums.
Once past the contact, curve the floss into a “C” shape around the side of one tooth to hug its contour. Slide the “C” shape gently into the space between the gum and the tooth, going just below the gum line until slight resistance is felt. Rub the side of the tooth with smooth, up-and-down motions. Before moving to the next space, unspool a fresh, clean section of floss to avoid transferring bacteria and debris.
Beyond String Floss: Alternative Interdental Cleaners
While traditional string floss is effective, several alternative tools accommodate different oral structures or preferences. Interdental brushes are small, cylindrical brushes designed to fit between the teeth, useful for individuals with larger spaces or exposed root surfaces. Selecting a brush size that fits snugly, without forcing, is important for maximum plaque removal.
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use a pulsating stream of pressurized water to flush away food particles and loosely attached plaque. These devices are beneficial for individuals with braces, fixed bridges, or dental implants, as the water jet navigates easily around complex hardware. Floss picks offer a convenient, pre-strung option for those who struggle with dexterity. Ultimately, the most effective interdental cleaner is the one an individual uses correctly and consistently.