- Yes, you need to floss
- Your toothbrush cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces — floss cleans the other 40%, between teeth where decay and gum disease most often start
- If you're not flossing, you're not really cleaning your teeth
You've probably been told to floss your whole life. You've probably ignored it at least some of the time. And you've probably wondered — does it actually matter? It does. Here's the honest explanation.
What Your Toothbrush Can't Do
A toothbrush cleans the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth — but it can't reach between them. The contact points between teeth and just below the gumline at those contact points are where your brush simply doesn't go. Those areas aren't self-cleaning. Plaque accumulates there, bacteria colonize it, and without mechanical removal — flossing — it stays. Over time it hardens into tartar, drives gum disease, and causes cavities in the surfaces of teeth that face each other. Interproximal (between-the-teeth) cavities and early gum disease both start predominantly in the areas that only flossing reaches.
What Happens When You Don't Floss
Interproximal cavities. Cavities between teeth are extremely common — and almost entirely preventable with consistent flossing. They're also harder to catch early because they develop in areas that aren't visible without X-rays.
Gingivitis. The gum tissue between teeth is the first place gingivitis shows up. Bleeding when you floss is almost always a sign that the gum tissue there is already inflamed.
Gum disease. Untreated gingivitis progresses to periodontitis — infection that destroys the bone holding your teeth in place. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent this progression.
Bad breath. Old food and bacteria between teeth is one of the most common causes of persistent bad breath that brushing alone doesn't fix.
"But My Gums Bleed When I Floss"
This is the most common reason people stop. And it's backwards. Bleeding gums when you floss means the tissue is inflamed — usually because you're not flossing consistently enough. The solution is to floss more, not less. With consistent daily flossing, bleeding typically stops within 1–2 weeks as the tissue becomes healthier. If bleeding persists after 2 weeks of consistent flossing, mention it at your next appointment — it may be a sign of gum disease that needs professional attention.
How to Make Flossing Easier
Traditional floss works well but requires technique. Use about 18 inches, wrap it around your fingers, and curve it against each tooth in a C-shape — don't snap it into the gums.
Floss picks are more convenient for a lot of people. They're not quite as effective as traditional floss for getting below the gumline, but they're far better than not flossing at all.
Water flossers (like Waterpik) are excellent for cleaning between teeth and especially useful for patients with braces, bridges, or implants. They don't fully replace floss for everyone but are a good addition or alternative for patients who struggle with traditional flossing.
The best flossing tool is the one you'll actually use. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
When to Floss
Floss once a day — ideally before bed so you're not sleeping with the day's plaque sitting between your teeth all night. If you only do it once a day, that's enough. The consistency matters more than the timing. Pair daily flossing with regular cleanings and you'll keep the spaces between your teeth healthy long term.
Simple habits for a healthy smile → and Bleeding gums — what it means →
We serve patients from Mobile, Theodore, Grand Bay, and the surrounding Gulf Coast area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Brushing cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. Floss cleans the 40% in between — where cavities and gum disease most commonly start. You can't brush your way to clean teeth without also flossing.
Once a day is sufficient. Consistency matters more than frequency — daily flossing is far more effective than occasional thorough sessions.
For most patients, traditional floss or floss picks are slightly more effective for removing plaque at the gumline. Water flossers are excellent supplements and a good option for patients with braces, implants, or bridges. Either is better than not flossing.
No — bleeding means your gums are inflamed, usually from not flossing enough. Keep flossing daily and the bleeding should resolve within 1–2 weeks. If it persists, mention it at your next appointment.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.