Ask a room of people whether they floss every day and few hands go up. Yet cleaning between your teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease and cavities in the areas a toothbrush simply cannot reach.

Why does cleaning between teeth matter?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth all day. Between the teeth, it sits against the gum and the neighbouring tooth, protected from the bristles of your brush. Left alone, it irritates the gum, causing redness and bleeding (gingivitis), and feeds the bacteria that cause cavities between teeth, where decay is hard to see.

How to floss properly

  1. Take about 40 cm of floss and wind most of it around one finger, with a little around the other.
  2. Hold it tightly between thumb and index finger, leaving a short length to work with.
  3. Slide the floss gently between two teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Do not snap it down onto the gum.
  4. Curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it just below the gumline, then move it up and down along the tooth surface.
  5. Repeat on the neighbouring tooth, then move to a clean section of floss for the next gap.

Alternatives if floss is hard to use

  • Floss picks are convenient, though less flexible around the tooth curve.
  • Interdental brushes are very effective, especially for larger gaps, bridges and braces.
  • Water flossers flush out debris and are helpful with braces and implants.

The best method is the one you will actually use every day. Ask us to show you which size and style suits your teeth.

Why do my gums bleed?

If gums bleed when you start, it is usually because plaque has already inflamed them. Keep going gently every day, and bleeding should ease within one to two weeks. If it persists, or your gums are swollen, receding or tender, you may need professional help. Read more in our article on bleeding gums.

Does flossing make gaps?

No. Flossing does not create gaps. Gaps may seem to appear when swollen gums shrink back to a healthier size, revealing spaces that were always there. Tartar removal can have the same effect.

Making it a habit

Keep floss where you will see it, such as next to your toothbrush, and link it to something you already do every night. A few minutes daily protects your gums for life. If you are due a check-up, our gum care team can assess your gum health and show you the right technique.