Flossing: Why It Matters & How to Do It Right
Most people brush their teeth twice a day and feel that’s enough to keep their mouth healthy. But here’s the truth — even the best brushing routine can’t clean every surface of your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in.
If you’ve ever wondered “Do I really need to floss every day?” — this blog explains exactly why it matters and how to do it properly.
Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough
When you brush, your toothbrush removes plaque and bacteria from the visible surfaces of your teeth — but it can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth or just under the gumline.
Plaque that’s left behind in those areas quickly hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing or mouthwash. Over time, this buildup leads to:
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
Bad breath
Tooth decay between teeth
Bone loss and gum disease
That’s why dentists — including myself Dr Martin Zunde — strongly recommend daily flossing. It’s a simple, effective way to clean where your toothbrush can’t.
The Benefits of Daily Flossing
Flossing every day doesn’t just remove trapped food; it has real long-term health benefits:
Prevents gum disease by removing plaque from the gumline.
Reduces the risk of cavities between teeth.
Keeps your breath fresher by reducing bacteria build-up.
Enhances overall oral hygiene, especially when combined with professional cleanings.
Improves the longevity of cosmetic work like veneers, bonding, and crowns by protecting surrounding gum tissue.
Even a small daily habit makes a big difference over time.
How to Floss Properly
If flossing feels awkward or time-consuming, it’s usually just a matter of technique. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Take a lengthy piece of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers.
Hold it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Gently guide the floss between two teeth using a sawing motion (this motion is often mistakenly used as the motion for the flossing itself, however this is solely to guide the floss between the teeth before performing the correct flossing action) - never snap it against the gums.
Curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth and slide it up and down beneath the gumline.
Repeat on the other side of the gap before moving to the next tooth.
If you find string floss difficult to use, consider:
Water flossers, which use a gentle jet of water to clean between teeth
Interdental brushes, ideal for larger gaps or around bridges and implants
The key is consistency — doing it every day, even if just once, makes a real difference.
When to Floss
Most people find it easiest to floss at night, before brushing, so that plaque and debris are removed before sleep. But ultimately, the best time is the time that fits consistently into your routine.
Final Thoughts
Flossing takes only a minute a day, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
If you’re unsure whether you’re flossing correctly, or if your gums bleed when you floss, book a hygiene visit with Dr Martin Zunde in London. We’ll show you the proper technique and help you build a routine that fits effortlessly into your day.
Your smile and your gums will thank you.
