Flossing (or using another interdental cleaner) helps remove plaque and food from between teeth and around gums. Your toothbrush can’t do a great job in these areas because it’s designed to clean the surfaces of teeth. So, daily flossing helps keep gums healthy and reduces the risk of cavities.
You may have heard that flossing hasn’t been proven to work, but we’ll explain why we recommend you (and your kids!) keep flossing in your daily routine. At Clifton & Mauney, we focus on preventive care for the whole family; you can stop in to our Chapel Hill office to keep your whole family’s smiles in tip-top shape.
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Quick answer: Is flossing necessary?
Yes, flossing is necessary for your healthiest smile. Without flossing, plaque can build up between teeth and around gums. Plaque can harden into tartar (also called calculus), which contributes to cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. Over time, gum disease can lead to more serious issues, including tooth loss and infections that may affect overall health.
Bottom line: Floss daily—or use another interdental cleaning method—so plaque doesn’t remain between your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two that touch.
Learn more about our approach to preventative dental care in Chapel Hill.
Why is flossing important? (What brushing misses)
Each tooth has five surfaces, and a toothbrush can only effectively clean three of them: the front, back, and chewing surface. The sides that touch neighboring teeth need a different tool to clean them.
Flossing gets into those tight areas between teeth, and it also gets just below the gumline. These areas are where food particles and bacteria easily get trapped. Back molars are especially prone to harboring plaque.
Does flossing prevent cavities and gum disease?
Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease because it disrupts plaque between teeth before it can cause damage.
When plaque remains between teeth, bacteria produce acid that weakens enamel, which can cause cavities. Plaque buildup can also cause gingivitis, which is when the gumline becomes red and inflamed, swells, and bleeds. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, but it can be reversed with proper hygiene and care.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, and the supporting bone can be affected. Over time, this can lead to tooth mobility or tooth loss.
When to call us
Contact our office if you notice:
- Bleeding that doesn’t improve after a week or two of proper flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum swelling or tenderness
Professional cleanings are essential for removing tartar and maintaining gum health.
Does flossing help with bad breath?
Yes, it can. Food and bacteria get trapped between teeth and contribute to bad breath, and flossing can help get those areas clean.
If bad breath persists despite brushing and flossing, it might be time to get a professional cleaning. The dentist will also be able to check for gum disease, dry mouth, or tooth decay, so you can keep your smile healthy.
What the evidence says and why you’ve heard “flossing doesn’t work”
Some headlines on the internet have suggested that flossing hasn’t been scientifically proven to work. These stories stem from reviews that found few long-term, large-scale studies on flossing.
The absence (or limited availability) of large, multi-year studies doesn’t mean flossing is ineffective. Long-term behavioral studies are difficult and expensive, especially when they rely on participants doing consistent at-home habits.
Dental experts like Dr. Clifton and Dr. Mauney continue to recommend cleaning between teeth because:
- Plaque forms daily and must be manually disrupted
- Interdental areas cannot be cleaned thoroughly by brushing alone
- Flossing is low-risk and low-cost
And, while long-term studies are limited, there is still evidence that cleaning between teeth is more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than brushing alone.
What if you can’t floss or find it hard?
You still have options! If you find using your fingers and string floss difficult, floss picks, including environmentally friendly reloadable ones, can be a great choice. You can also try interdental brushes, toothpicks, or oral irrigators (water flossers/Waterpik).
How to floss correctly
Flossing isn’t always intuitive, especially if you’re teaching your child how to floss so they can start doing it on their own. If you’re using traditional floss with your fingers, here’s a quick guide:
- Use about 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1–2 inches to work with.
- Gently slide the floss between teeth using a controlled motion.
- Curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth.
- Slide it up and down along the side of the tooth and slightly under the gumline.
- Repeat on the adjacent tooth surface.
- Use a fresh section of floss for each space.
Everyone needs time to figure out the best way to floss their teeth, since all teeth are spaced, shaped, and aligned slightly differently. These, though, are some common mistakes:
- Snapping floss aggressively into gums
- Sawing harshly at the gumline
- Skipping back molars
- Reusing the same section of floss
- Flossing inconsistently
At Clifton & Mauney, we’re happy to demonstrate proper flossing technique during your visit.
What If Your Gums Bleed?
Mild bleeding when you first begin flossing can occur if inflammation is present. This often improves within 1–2 weeks of consistent, gentle flossing. If bleeding persists, schedule an evaluation. It may be a sign of gingivitis or another issue that needs attention.
Routine dental maintenance with Clifton & Mauney
Daily brushing and flossing should be normal parts of your routine, but you should still get routine teeth cleanings and dental check-ups.
At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we provide comprehensive preventive care for children, teens, and adults under one roof. Our family-focused practice in Chapel Hill is proud to keep the smiles of our families here in The Triangle healthy, and regular cleanings are a major part of our care. Whether it’s been a while or you’re scheduling a routine cleaning, use the button below to schedule an appointment.
FAQs: Flossing, cavities, bad breath, water flossers
Yes. Even excellent brushing cannot fully clean between teeth. Flossing or another interdental cleaner removes plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus). Flossing removes plaque before it calcifies into tartar.
Consistency matters most. Many professionals recommend flossing before brushing so fluoride toothpaste can reach cleaned surfaces.
Use a fresh section of floss for each space. Replace disposable floss picks after each use. Follow manufacturer guidance for water flosser tips.
No. Proper flossing does not create gaps. It may reveal spaces where inflammation previously caused swelling.
Aggressive flossing can irritate gums. Gentle, controlled flossing is unlikely to cause recession.
Floss threaders, orthodontic floss, and water flossers can help clean around appliances and restorations.
Water flossers can be helpful, but tight contacts may still benefit from string floss or interdental brushes.
Skipping back teeth, snapping floss, and inconsistent flossing are common issues.
If symptoms persist despite consistent flossing, professional evaluation is recommended to rule out gum disease or decay.
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