Flossing
Do I really need to floss?
Yes. Your brush simply can't reach the snug gaps between teeth, and that's exactly where plaque and food hide. Cleaning between them once a day, with floss or interdental brushes, stops trouble starting there.
Why brushing alone isn't enough
A toothbrush is brilliant on the surfaces it can reach, but it can't squeeze into the tight spaces where two teeth meet. That's precisely where plaque and stray bits of lunch like to settle, quietly out of reach, which is why so many cavities and gum problems begin between the teeth rather than on them.
Cleaning between the teeth once a day — with floss or little interdental brushes, whichever you find easier to stick with — clears those hidden spots before they can cause bother. The best tool is honestly the one you'll actually use every day.
Getting the most from it
Do it before you brush, not after. Clearing the gaps first means the fluoride in your toothpaste can then flow into freshly opened spaces and do its protecting there too.
If your gums bleed a little when you start, don't take that as a reason to stop — it's usually a sign those spots have been missed and need the attention. It typically settles within a week or two of daily cleaning. If it carries on, come in and let us take a look.
Common questions
Floss or interdental brushes — which is better?
Whichever you'll use consistently. Interdental brushes suit slightly larger gaps and many find them easier; floss handles tight contacts. The daily habit matters far more than the tool.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Before. Clearing the gaps first lets fluoride toothpaste reach into those freshly opened spaces, so it protects between the teeth as well as on them.