What is ‘flossing’?

Flossing is a dental hygiene practice in which a length of fine thread or ribbon is used to remove food deposits from between the teeth.

This should be done after using a toothbrush as brushing the teeth can remove most but not all of the plaque which forms as a sticky coating on the teeth. Plaque can also form between the teeth and this is why flossing is very important as it will remove this along with any remaining food particles.

Many people don’t bother with flossing but not doing so means that you are missing an important area of your teeth. And this can have long term consequences. If food particles between the teeth are not removed then they will damage the teeth to the extent of causing gum disease and tooth decay.

Flossing does not take long, is easy to do and can easily fit into your daily oral routine. There are many different flossing products and techniques but it is important to find the one that works best for you.

Our hygiene products section contains more information on flossing.

Dental Hygiene Index:

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• What is dental hygiene?
• Why is it important?
• What does it involve?
• Why do I need to visit the dentist every 6 months?
• I don’t like visiting the dentist so what can I do?
• What is the best toothbrush to use?
• What is ‘flossing’?
• Does an antiseptic mouthwash help?

• What is a ‘dental clean?’
• Which toothpaste should I use?
• I have bad breath, how can I get rid of this?
• What is ‘gum disease?’
• Teeth Brushing
• The ‘Scale and Polish’ Procedure
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Hygiene Products

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