How Often Should You Floss? Experts Weigh In

Why is flossing important?

The goal is simple: to disrupt the formation of dental plaque before it hardens. Plaque is made up of bacteria and food bits that sit on your teeth, causing cavities (tooth decay) and gingivitis (a condition in which your gums get red, swollen, or bleed easily).

Brushing alone often misses the gaps between teeth and along the gumline. That's where flossing comes in. Dental flossing targets hard-to-reach areas, helping to prevent plaque accumulation and tartar formation, which is key to reversing gingivitis and preventing tooth decay.

Trapped food particles or bacteria between teeth also cause bad breath. Flossing combined with brushing and mouthwash overall enhances oral freshness.

Daily flossing is not just important for your oral health — it plays a role in your overall well-being, as well. Regular flossing can positively impact systemic health and may help to reduce the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and potential diabetes complications.

Best practices for flossing

Now that you understand the significance of flossing, you need to know how to do it correctly. The right technique and consistency will help you get the full benefits. Here are some of the best practices to ensure your flossing is effective, safe, and tailored to your dental needs.

When to floss: Frequency

The idea is to take care of the overall oral health and be consistent with it. The first step is always to brush twice a day, keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Unlike floss, your toothbrush cannot reach those tight spaces, so flossing once a day is mandatory. Some people include flossing as part of their morning ritual, while others prefer before bedtime so they go to bed with a clean mouth. The best time to floss is the time that comfortably fits in your schedule.

The next question is usually, should you floss before or after brushing? And the answer to that is either works. Some evidence suggests flossing first may help more, but remember consistency is more important.

Flossing steps

Flossing isn't complicated once you get the hang of it, but doing it the right way makes all the difference. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean between your teeth like a pro.

Mastering your floss technique will upgrade your oral hygiene game. But what if the string floss doesn't work well for your situation? Let's discuss how to floss while using different orthodontic appliances.

How to floss with orthodontic appliances?

Flossing can be different for everyone. Let's discuss various situations where flossing can become a bit difficult.

How to floss with aligners?

Keeping oral hygiene with clear aligners is easy. Start by removing your aligners, then use a fresh piece of floss to gently clean between each tooth, curving into a “C” shape against the tooth and working it up and down. Once you're done flossing, rinse your mouth and reinsert your aligners.

However, do keep in mind that since aligners are removable, you'll need to clean them separately. Smilepath offers cleansing tablets for daily cleaning and an ultrasonic cleaner for deep cleaning your aligners.

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How to floss with braces?

Flossing with braces requires focus, as there will be wires and brackets. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to guide the floss under the archwire and between each tooth. Floss up and down, hugging each tooth in a 'C' shape, and slide it below the gum line to clean, or consider using a water flosser for a deeper clean.

How to floss with palatal expanders?

Flossing with a palatal expander can be done with a floss threader or a superfloss to guide the floss under the expander wire and around the bands on your molars. You can also use a water flosser or an interdental brush to thoroughly clean around the palatal expander and to remove food debris from hard-to-reach areas.

How to floss with retainers?

If it is a removable retainer, you will simply pop it out before flossing and follow the same teeth and retainer cleaning routine as an aligner.

For permanent retainers with the wire bonded to your teeth, you need special tools like a floss threader or super floss to get the floss under the wire and between your teeth. Move it gently in a "C" shape along each tooth and just under the gums. In this case as well, an easier option can be a water flosser.

How to floss with veneers?

Do not snap or push the floss too hard, as this can damage your veneers or gums. Flossing with veneers requires extra care. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it into a “C” shape around each tooth from top to bottom. Using waxed floss, dental tape floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser will make it easier and safer.

How to floss with crowns?

Flossing with a crown requires gentle movements. With the floss around the tooth, clean up and down. The method is the same, with a primary caution against excessive force to avoid loosening the crown or hurting your gums. This process can be smoother with a water flosser or an interdental brush.

Alternatives & considerations

Here are some alternatives tailored to different dental needs. Explore them to find the one that works best for you.

What happens if you don't floss (Or do it incorrectly)

Flossing improperly or not flossing at all can cause plaque to harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. This buildup increases the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress into more serious gum disease (periodontitis). Leftover food and bacteria between teeth can also lead to bad breath, cavities, and other dental problems. These are all preventable with regular flossing.

Maintain your oral health the right way

To maintain oral health, flossing once a day, brushing twice a day, and visiting your dentist or orthodontist at least twice a year is the gold standard. Not taking your oral hygiene seriously is going to lead to plaque buildup and eventually gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and several other oral and systemic problems.

Some say that flossing twice a day is better for people with braces or clear aligners. However, what truly matters is the right technique and consistency, even if you're flossing once a day. IThe best flossing tool is the one you are going to use every day, whether it's traditional string floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser.

Frequently asked questions

How often do dentists recommend you floss? +

Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris that brushing can't reach.

Do dentists recommend water flosser? +

Yes, dentists often recommend water flossers, especially for people who have trouble using traditional floss, have braces or implants, or have sensitive gums.

Why is flossing no longer recommended? +

Flossing is still recommended by dental professionals, despite some news reports i suggesting a lack of evidence of its benefits.

Can a dentist tell if you floss regularly? +

Yes, a dentist can tell if you don't floss regularly by checking for signs like plaque and tartar buildup between teeth, inflamed or bleeding gums, and signs of tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas.

What are the downsides to using a water flosser? +

Downsides to using a water flosser include its higher cost compared to traditional floss, a potentially steeper learning curve to avoid messes, and a lack of portability.

Why don't dentists recommend floss picks? +

Dentists often don't recommend floss picks because they can be less effective at removing plaque compared to traditional string floss, which allows for a "C" shape to be cleaned along the tooth's gumline.

Why flossing is bad? +

Flossing is only considered "bad" when done incorrectly, too aggressively, or too frequently.

How often to floss? +

You should floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris, which helps prevent gum irritation, bad breath, and early signs of gum disease.