I’ll be honest—flossing used to feel like a chore I could easily skip. Brushing? No problem. But flossing? Ugh. It wasn’t until my dentist gave me that look (you know, the “we need to talk about your gums” look) that I realized I had to step up my game. Bleeding gums, sensitivity, and the occasional bad breath were all signs I couldn’t ignore anymore. So, I did what any reasonable person would do—I went down a deep rabbit hole of dental hygiene research. Turns out, just brushing isn’t enough.
Brushing Alone? Not Enough
We all know brushing is essential, but what I didn’t realize is that a toothbrush only reaches about 60% of the tooth’s surface. That means bacteria and food debris are hanging out between your teeth, happily causing plaque buildup and bad breath. If you’re not cleaning those spaces, you’re basically leaving a chunk of your mouth untouched.
And let’s talk toothbrushes. I switched from a manual to an electric toothbrush, and the difference was huge. It’s not just a gimmick—studies show electric brushes remove more plaque and are gentler on gums (as long as you’re not pressing too hard). But even with an amazing brush, there’s still that pesky 40% of your teeth that bristles just can’t reach.
Flossing: The Step I Used to Ignore (And Regretted)
Flossing always felt tedious, but the first time I actually committed to doing it daily, I was shocked at how much junk was hiding between my teeth—even after brushing. My dentist wasn’t lying. The key is to get into a habit and do it before brushing so you can loosen plaque and food debris that your toothbrush will then sweep away.
There’s also the whole waxed vs. unwaxed vs. tape floss debate. Personally, waxed floss glides better for me, but if your teeth are super close together, floss tape might be your best friend. And if traditional floss feels awkward, floss picks are better than nothing—but don’t just snap them between your teeth and call it a day. Move them up and down along the sides of each tooth to really get the job done.
Interdental Brushes: The Secret Weapon
Then I discovered interdental brushes, and let me tell you, they’re a game-changer. If you’ve never tried them, they’re these tiny brushes that fit between your teeth (kind of like mini pipe cleaners for your mouth). They’re especially great if you have gaps, braces, or areas where floss just doesn’t cut it.
At first, they felt weird to use, but after a few tries, they became part of my routine. Unlike floss, which mostly scrapes between teeth, interdental brushes physically remove plaque from in-between spaces. My gums actually stopped bleeding within a few weeks of using them, which was all the proof I needed that they worked.
The Right Order: What Works Best?
I experimented with different orders, and here’s what finally made the most sense:
- Floss first – It removes debris and plaque from between teeth.
- Interdental brushes next – They clean deeper and get what floss might miss.
- Brush last – Now that everything is loosened up, your toothbrush can finish the job and sweep it all away.
- Mouthwash (optional, but recommended) – Helps kill lingering bacteria and freshens breath.
So, Is It Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. Within weeks of sticking to this routine, my gums stopped bleeding, my teeth felt cleaner, and my breath stayed fresher throughout the day. It wasn’t an overnight change, but now I can’t imagine skipping these steps. If you’ve been brushing alone and hoping that’s enough, I promise—adding floss and interdental brushes to your routine will make a difference. Your dentist (and your future self) will thank you.
Picture Credit: Freepik
