Does flossing really make a difference?

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Yes. You can't reach the bacteria in tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. Aim to floss daily. If you find it hard to handle floss, use an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover. As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn't matter if you brush or floss first.

June 06, 2019 See more In-depth

See also

  1. Brush up on how to brush your teeth
  2. Calcium
  3. Dental floss vs. water flosser
  4. Dry mouth relief
  5. Oral health: A window to your overall health
  6. Sensitive teeth
  7. Time to buy a new toothbrush?
  8. Tooth flossing 101
  9. Toothpicks: For hors d'oeuvres, not teeth
  10. Want whiter teeth?
  11. When to brush your teeth