Most people are aware of the importance of daily brushing, but do you take a moment to floss your teeth after brushing?

We recommend flossing on a regular basis to reduce the risk of gum disease and dental decay.

About flossing

Flossing is a process of using dental floss to remove bacteria and food deposits from the mouth. Flossing is really important because it enables you to reach areas of the mouth that are usually missed when you brush. If food debris and bacteria are left to lurk in the mouth, this contributes to the development of plaque, the leading cause of decay and gum disease.

Plaque is a sticky colourless film made from saliva, food particles and bacteria. It sticks to the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line and tends to gather in areas that are missed when you are brushing, such as the corners of the mouth, the cracks between the teeth and the gum line.

Tips for flossing

When you are flossing, gently guide the dental floss holding it between your fingers through the cracks between the teeth. Do not pull the floss, as this can damage your gums.

It is not normal for the gums to bleed when you floss if you are used to flossing. If you have never flossed before, you will probably find that your gums bleed the first couple of times. If you notice bleeding after a while, you should see your dentist, as this may be symptomatic of gum disease.

What can I do if I find flossing difficult?

If you find it difficult or awkward to floss your teeth, you could try using inter-dental brushes. These are small brushes designed to clean between the teeth. Inter-dental brushes are available in a range of different sizes.