How to Use Dental Floss and Clean Between Teeth

Floss helps clean contact areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Guide it along the tooth surface without snapping it into the gum. Where there are open spaces, bridges or orthodontic appliances, ask for a demonstration of suitable cleaning aids and sizes.

Why Is Brushing Alone Not Enough?

The surfaces where teeth touch each other are areas a toothbrush struggles to reach. Plaque that builds up in these areas can, over time, lead to cavities and gum inflammation.

When bacteria that accumulate between teeth are not cleaned away, problems such as gum bleeding, bad breath, and eventually gum recession can develop. For this reason, flossing is an important complementary step in daily oral care.

How Should Dental Floss Be Used?

Using the correct technique when flossing is quite important. A sufficient length of floss is taken and held in a controlled way between both hands. The floss is gently guided between the teeth and moved up and down against the tooth surface.

Cleaning should be done without applying excessive pressure to the gum area. Try to use a clean section of floss for each gap between teeth. Sharp, sudden movements can irritate the gums.

What Is an Interdental Brush?

Some people have wider gaps between their teeth, or may have implants, bridges, or orthodontic appliances. In these cases, interdental brushes can provide more effective cleaning.

Thanks to their small, cylindrical shape, interdental brushes help clean the spaces between teeth. They are especially preferred by people with gum recession and those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Using a Water Flosser (Oral Irrigator)

Water flosser devices use pressurised water to help remove debris from between the teeth. They can be used as supportive oral care, especially for people with implants, bridges, or braces.

However, a water flosser is not a complete substitute for dental floss. It is generally recommended as an additional support.

How Often Should Dental Floss Be Used?

It is recommended to floss at least once a day. Cleaning between the teeth as part of your oral care routine, especially before going to bed at night, helps remove plaque that has built up throughout the day.

Regular use can help protect gum health and reduce the risk of cavities.

Does Bleeding Occur the First Time You Floss?

People who are new to flossing may notice mild gum bleeding in the first few days. This is usually related to gum inflammation and can decrease over time with regular cleaning.

However, if bleeding is severe or continues for a long time, a dental evaluation may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dental floss or an interdental brush better?

This depends on the structure of the gaps between your teeth. Dental floss may be more suitable for narrow gaps, while an interdental brush may be more effective for wider spaces.

Can children use dental floss?

Yes. Once teeth start touching each other, children can floss with a parent’s help.

Does dental floss damage the gums?

No, not when used with the correct technique. Harsh, uncontrolled use can cause irritation.

Is a water flosser enough on its own?

No. A water flosser is a supportive method and is generally used alongside dental floss or interdental cleaning.

Related treatment and assessment

• Dental Scaling and Gum Care
• Dental Check-Up and Examination

This information does not replace an individual assessment. At your appointment, explain when symptoms began and share details of medicines and previous treatment.

Source and further reading

• NHS: How to keep your teeth clean