We’ve all been there—your dentist asks if you’ve been flossing regularly, and you give that slightly guilty smile. At Diamond Dental Care, Dr Doug Leishman and our team understand that interdental cleaning often gets pushed to the bottom of your oral hygiene routine. But here’s the truth: cleaning between teeth is just as important as brushing, and today we’re going to explore exactly why that matters.

Is Flossing Really Necessary?

Your toothbrush does an excellent job of cleaning the visible surfaces of your teeth, but it simply can’t reach the tight spaces between them. These hard-to-reach areas harbour food particles and plaque that, if left undisturbed, can lead to serious oral health problems. That’s why flossing is important—it’s not just a suggestion from your dentist, it’s a crucial step in preventing gum disease and maintaining your overall oral health.

Research consistently shows that daily flossing significantly reduces your risk of gingivitis and helps with gum disease prevention. When plaque builds up between teeth, it irritates your gums, causing inflammation and bleeding gums. If left untreated, this can progress to more serious periodontal health issues.

Understanding the Best Way to Clean Between Your Teeth

The good news is you have several effective options for interdental cleaning:

Traditional Dental Floss

Traditional dental floss remains the gold standard for many people. When you’re flossing teeth with proper technique, you’re mechanically removing plaque and food particles that brushing alone misses. The key is consistency and using the right method.

Interdental Brushes

These small brushes are perfect for people with larger gaps between their teeth or those who find traditional floss difficult to use. Interdental brushes can be particularly effective for plaque removal and are often easier to maneuver.

Water Flosser

A water flosser uses pressurised water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. They’re excellent for people with braces, dental bridges, or those who struggle with the traditional flossing technique.

Floss Picks

Floss picks offer convenience and can be a great option for quick cleaning or for those who find regular floss awkward to handle.

How to Floss Properly

Proper technique makes all the difference in effective interdental cleaning. Here’s what Dr Doug Leishman recommends:

• Use about 45cm of floss, winding most around your middle fingers
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers
• Gently guide it between your teeth using a rubbing motion
• Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape
• Slide it beneath the gum line gently
• Use clean sections of floss for each tooth
• Don’t snap the floss, as this can damage your gums

Making Interdental Cleaning Part of Your Daily Routine

The most effective oral hygiene routine includes interdental cleaning at least once daily, preferably before bedtime. This gives your mouth the best chance to heal and regenerate overnight without interference from plaque and food particles.

If you notice bleeding gums when you start flossing, don’t stop—this is often a sign that you need to floss more, not less. However, if bleeding persists beyond a week or two, it’s time to schedule a visit with us.

Your Partner in Gum Health

At Diamond Dental Care, we’re committed to helping you maintain excellent periodontal health. Whether you need guidance on flossing technique or you’re concerned about your gum health, our comprehensive dental services are here to support you.

Ready to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level? Contact our Sippy Downs practice at 07 5477 0889 to schedule your next appointment. We’ll provide personalised advice on the best way to clean between your teeth and keep your smile healthy for years to come.