Flossing is the mechanical removal of plaque and food debris from the tight spaces a toothbrush cannot reach. This interdental cleaning is a necessary component of a complete oral hygiene routine aimed at preventing dental disease. Dental professionals agree that flossing once per day is sufficient for most individuals to maintain healthy gums. This daily practice effectively disrupts the colonization of bacteria before it can mature and cause significant harm.
The Daily Frequency Requirement
Cleaning between the teeth once every 24 hours is timed to interrupt the natural life cycle of oral bacteria. Plaque, a sticky biofilm composed of bacteria, begins to form on the teeth immediately after cleaning. If this film remains undisturbed, the microorganisms within it mature and become more complex and damaging.
Within a day, the plaque community shifts toward a less-oxygenated environment, encouraging the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease. Daily flossing dislodges this developing biofilm, preventing it from hardening into calculus, or tartar. Consistent removal ensures the bacterial load remains low and prevents the inflammatory response that marks the beginning of gum issues. The exact time of day is less important than the consistency of the habit.
Mastering the Technique for Effective Cleaning
Achieving the benefits of daily flossing relies on proper technique, as random motion can irritate the gums without removing plaque. Begin by breaking off approximately 18 inches of floss, which allows a clean section to be used for each interdental space. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and debris throughout the mouth.
The correct method involves guiding the floss gently between the teeth using a slight back-and-forth motion, avoiding snapping it forcefully against the gums. Once at the gum line, curve the floss into a “C” shape, wrapping it firmly against one side of the tooth. Slide it gently into the space between the tooth and the gum, moving it up and down against the tooth surface several times before repeating the process on the adjacent tooth.
For individuals who find string floss challenging due to limited dexterity or orthodontic appliances, alternative tools are available. Water flossers use a pulsating stream of water and are effective at flushing out debris and reducing gum bleeding. Studies indicate that water flossers are at least as effective as string floss at reducing plaque, and are recommended for cleaning around braces or implants. Floss picks are another option, though they make it difficult to use a clean section of floss for every tooth.
The Distinct Necessity of Flossing
Flossing cleans surfaces that a toothbrush cannot access, making it an irreplaceable part of oral hygiene. A toothbrush cleans the broad, exposed surfaces of the teeth—the tops, fronts, and backs—which account for about 60 to 70 percent of a tooth’s total area. The remaining 30 to 40 percent consists of the narrow, interproximal spaces where teeth touch, and the area just beneath the gum line.
Without cleaning this hidden territory, plaque inevitably accumulates, fostering localized inflammation known as gingivitis. If this inflammation is not addressed, the condition can progress to periodontitis, involving the destruction of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Neglecting to floss leaves the gums and supporting bone vulnerable to bacterial toxins. Flossing physically scrapes and disrupts the plaque biofilm from these two sides of the tooth, where a toothbrush bristle is too thick to penetrate.