By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Brushing cleans only about three of the five surfaces of each tooth. Flossing reaches the two surfaces between teeth, where decay and gum disease often start.
Floss once a day to clean between teeth where the brush cannot reach. Use about 45 cm of floss, wrap it around your fingers, and guide it gently between teeth in a C-shape against each tooth, sliding up and down. If floss is awkward, interdental brushes or a water flosser work well too. Daily cleaning between teeth prevents cavities and bleeding gums.
Step by step
- Use about 45 cm of floss, winding most around your middle fingers.
- Hold a short section taut and guide it gently between two teeth.
- Curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and slide up and down.
- Repeat against the neighbouring tooth, then move to a fresh section.
- Be gentle at the gumline - do not snap the floss down.
If you find floss difficult
- Interdental brushes - small brushes for the gaps, easy to use.
- Water flosser - great for braces, bridges and tight spaces.
- Floss picks - handy for travel and the back teeth.
Why it matters
Daily cleaning between teeth is the single best way to prevent bleeding gums and between-tooth cavities. Pair it with twice-daily brushing.
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