Yes, cleaning between teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral health. While many people think of flossing first, we recommend interdental cleaning using interdental brushes. Cleaning between your teeth every day helps reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
A patient recently asked me whether flossing was really necessary if they were already brushing twice a day.
It’s a fair question, and one we hear surprisingly often.
After all, if you’re spending time brushing morning and night, it can feel as though you’ve covered everything.
The reality is that many dental problems develop in the areas between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles simply cannot reach.
That’s why cleaning between the teeth remains such an important part of maintaining good oral health.
At Billericay Dental Care, we regularly help patients from CM11, CM12, Brentwood, Shenfield, and the surrounding areas improve their oral hygiene routines. One of the most common things we find is that people are brushing well but missing the spaces between their teeth.
So, is flossing really necessary? The short answer is yes, but dental floss may not always be the best solution.
Why Brushing Alone Isn't Enough
Think of your teeth like a row of houses.
You can easily clean the front of each house, but reaching the narrow spaces between them is much more difficult. The same applies to your teeth.
Brushing does an excellent job of cleaning the front, back, and biting surfaces. However, it cannot effectively remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth.
These areas are where cavities and gum disease often begin.
That’s why my team and I recommend daily interdental cleaning. Whether you use floss, interdental brushes, or another cleaning aid, the goal is the same: removing plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
What Happens If You Don't Floss?
Skipping flossing occasionally isn’t likely to cause immediate problems. However, regularly neglecting the spaces between your teeth can have consequences over time.
Common issues we see here at Billericay Dental Care include:
- Cavities developing between teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Tartar (hardened plaque) build-up
- Early gum disease (gingivitis)
- More advanced periodontal disease
In many cases, patients are surprised to learn that a cavity has formed between two teeth because they had no symptoms at all.
So, What's the Best Way to Clean Between Teeth?
There isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. The best way to clean between your teeth depends on the spacing of your teeth, your gum health, and how easy you find the cleaning method to use consistently.
While traditional floss remains a useful option, many patients benefit more from interdental brushes. In practice, interdental brushes such as TePe brushes often allow better plaque removal and can be easier to use correctly. This is why we highly recommend them.
In other circumstances, depending on your teeth and gum health, we may also suggest:
- Floss picks
- Water flossers
- Soft picks
as different options to shop-bought dental floss.
Essentially, for patients with wider spaces between their teeth, interdental brushes are often our preferred recommendation.
The most important thing is choosing a method that works for your mouth and using it every day.
How Often Should You Floss?
Ideally, you should clean between your teeth once daily.
Many patients prefer flossing before bed because it removes the food particles and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day.
The exact timing matters less than consistency.
A simple routine of brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth once a day can make a significant difference to your long-term oral health.
Signs You May Need to Floss More Often
If you notice any of the following, it could be a sign that plaque is building up between your teeth:
- Bleeding when flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Food frequently gets stuck
- Tender gums
It’s worth noting that mild bleeding when you first start flossing is quite common. In many cases, this improves within a week or two as gum health improves.
So, Is Flossing Really Necessary?
In our view as dental professionals, cleaning between teeth every day is essential.
Whether that involves floss, interdental brushes, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning aid will depend on your individual needs.
You don’t need an elaborate oral hygiene routine. Consistent brushing, daily interdental cleaning, and regular dental check-ups are usually enough to keep your smile healthy.
Looking After Your Smile Starts With the Right Advice
Not sure whether you’re using the right interdental cleaning method? During your next hygiene appointment, we can assess your oral health, recommend the most suitable cleaning aids and show you how to use them correctly.
We regularly help patients from Billericay, CM11, CM12, Brentwood, Shenfield and the surrounding areas improve their home care routines and keep their smiles healthy for the long term.
To arrange an appointment, call or WhatsApp 01277 625 456 or book online
FAQs
Do I Need to Floss If I Brush Twice a Day?
Yes. Brushing cleans the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot effectively remove plaque and food debris from between them. Daily interdental cleaning helps reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
What If I Don't Like Traditional Floss?
You’re not alone. Many patients find floss awkward or difficult to use. Depending on your needs, alternatives such as interdental brushes, floss picks or water flossers may be just as effective. Your dentist or hygienist can help you choose the best option for your mouth.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque build-up around the gumline. If you’ve recently started flossing, mild bleeding may improve as your gums become healthier. However, persistent bleeding should be assessed by a dentist or hygienist.
