Do your gums bleed when brushing your teeth? Or does an unpleasant mouth odor trouble you? The problem often lies in neglecting daily flossing. This simple action removes bacteria and food debris from places inaccessible to the toothbrush – between teeth and under the gum line. We will show you how to floss correctly and why this simple action can save your smile.

SEE ALSO: Which oral hygiene accessories to choose – toothbrushes, floss, irrigators, or maybe something more?

Why is flossing essential for oral health?

The toothbrush alone cannot remove plaque from all tooth surfaces, especially from interdental spaces. The bristles of the toothbrush, even with the most thorough brushing, do not reach the narrow gaps between teeth where bacteria produce acids that destroy enamel and cause unpleasant odors.

Neglecting floss cleaning leads to serious consequences. Bacteria form dental plaque, which mineralizes, turning into tartar. This process causes gingivitis, which manifests as bleeding, pain, and swelling. In advanced stages, it can lead to periodontitis – a disease that destroys the tissues supporting the tooth [1].

Benefits of regular flossing

Daily use of dental floss gives you concrete benefits:

• reduces the risk of cavities by 40% [2],
• eliminates unpleasant mouth odor,
• prevents gum bleeding after just 2 weeks [3],
• helps save money on costly dental treatments.

How to floss your teeth – step-by-step instructions

How to floss your teeth correctly? Technique is crucial for effectiveness. Incorrect execution can damage gums and not bring the expected results.

Proper flossing technique

1. Choose the appropriate length of dental floss – tear off about 45 cm.
2. Wrap the ends of the floss around the middle fingers, leaving 2-3 cm of space between them.
3. Hold the floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers.
4. Gently insert the floss between the teeth with a "back and forth" motion.
5. Shape the floss into a C.
6. Move up and down below the gum line.
7. Use a fresh piece of floss for each interdental space.

Remember: flossing should not hurt. If you feel discomfort, you are probably doing it too hard or using the wrong technique.

Irrigator or flossing – which to choose?

Cwhether the irrigator replaces flossing? Maybe, but not necessarily. The decision depends on your needs.

• Do you have orthodontic braces or bridges? The irrigator will be more convenient.
• Suffering from advanced gum disease? The irrigator provides gentle cleaning.
• Lacking precision in hand movements? The irrigator is easier to use.

SEE ALSO: Dental irrigator – how it works and how it affects gum health and cavity prevention?

The best results come from combining both methods – dental floss removes plaque, and the irrigator thoroughly rinses interdental spaces.

ZENT Stream+ – a modern alternative to traditional methods

One of the solutions that can complement traditional flossing is the ZENT Stream+ irrigator. This device uses a water stream at 40-110 PSI pressure to clean interdental spaces. Thanks to 360° rotation technology and 1500 pulsations per minute, it effectively reaches places inaccessible to a regular toothbrush. 

The device offers three operating modes – from gentle for sensitive gums to intense for stubborn plaque. The compact design with a foldable reservoir and a battery life of up to 35 days make ZENT Stream+ a practical solution both at home and on the go.

Most common mistakes during flossing

Many people make basic mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of flossing, namely:

• too much pressure – can damage gums and enamel,
• moving only up and down – does not effectively clean tooth curves,
• using the same part of the floss – transfers bacteria between teeth,
• skipping the back teeth – this is where cavities most often develop.

Regular flossing is an investment in your long-term oral health. Although it may initially seem time-consuming, after a few weeks it will become a natural part of your daily routine. Remember – 2-3 minutes a day spent flossing can save you from costly and painful dental procedures in the future.

FAQ

How often should you floss your teeth?

Floss your teeth daily, preferably in the evening before brushing. This order allows the fluoride from the toothpaste to better reach the cleaned interdental spaces.

Is bleeding during flossing normal?

Light bleeding in the first days is a normal reaction of neglected gums. If it persists longer than a week, consult a dentist.

What kind of dental floss should be used?

Choose waxed floss if you have tightly spaced teeth, or unwaxed for wider spaces. More important than the type is regular use.

At what age can children start flossing?

Children can start flossing independently around the age of 10, when they develop adequate manual dexterity. Before that, parents should assist.

What are the benefits of using a dental irrigator?

The irrigator effectively removes food debris from interdental spaces, massages the gums improving circulation, and is also excellent for people with orthodontic appliances. It is easy to use and ideal for people with limited manual dexterity.

SEE ALSO: Irrigator – an essential tool in oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment

NOTES:

[1] Relvas, M. et al. Study of prevalence, severity and risk factors of periodontal disease in a Portuguese population. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022.

[2] Hujoel, P. et al. Dental flossing and interproximal caries: a systematic review. Journal of Dental Research, 2006.

[3] Biesbrock, A. et al. Assessment of treatment responses to dental flossing in twins. Journal of Periodontology, 2006.