Dental floss is one of the essentials of oral hygiene, yet many people still neglect it. Used correctly, it removes plaque and food debris that the toothbrush cannot reach, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
At Atelier do Sorriso Clinic, in Almancil, Faro, we help our patients adopt effective oral hygiene habits to keep their teeth and gums healthy. In this article we explain how to use dental floss correctly, the different types available and the best alternatives for anyone looking for complementary options.
What Is Dental Floss?
Dental floss is an oral hygiene product used to remove plaque and food debris between the teeth and along the gum line. As the toothbrush cannot clean these areas effectively, flossing is essential to prevent decay and gum inflammation.
Floss can be made of nylon (multifilament) or PTFE (monofilament), and may have coatings such as wax or antibacterial agents to make it easier to use. Whatever the type, the aim is the same: a deep clean between the teeth, preventing tartar and possible oral complications.
What Is Dental Floss For?
Dental floss plays an essential role in preventing decay and gum disease by removing food and plaque trapped between the teeth. Without this cleaning, bacteria accumulate and produce acids that wear away the enamel, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.
Regular flossing also helps prevent bad breath, as it stops food particles from decomposing in hard-to-reach places. People with braces, crowns or implants also benefit from flossing daily.
Brushing is essential, but flossing completes the cleaning and significantly improves oral health. People who floss correctly are less likely to need more invasive dental treatment in the future.
Is Flossing Really Important?
Yes, flossing is essential for complete oral hygiene. Studies show that brushing alone does not remove all the plaque, especially between the teeth, where food gets trapped.
Not flossing can lead to problems such as:
- Decay between the teeth, caused by trapped debris
- Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums caused by plaque
- Bad breath, from decomposing food particles
- Tartar, which forms when plaque is not removed regularly
Floss is also essential for people with braces, crowns or dental implants, as it helps keep these structures free of bacteria. People who floss daily have a lower risk of gum disease and of needing more complex treatment later.
How to Use Dental Floss (Step by Step / Techniques)
To get all the benefits of dental floss, it has to be used correctly. Many people do not make it a habit because it feels uncomfortable or they are unsure of the right technique. Follow this step-by-step guide for effective cleaning:
Step by step: how to floss correctly
- Cut about 40 cm of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers, leaving about 3 to 5 cm to work with.
- Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it gently between two teeth, avoiding sudden movements.
- Curve the floss against each tooth in a “C” shape, reaching the gum line without forcing it.
- Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and food debris.
- Use a clean section of floss for each gap, so you do not spread bacteria.
- Repeat for all your teeth, including the back molars.
- Finally, throw the floss away and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Alternative Techniques
- Loop technique: For people who find it hard to hold the floss, tying it in a circle makes it easier to handle.
- Floss picks (flossers): Small holders with pre-tensioned floss, useful for people with less manual dexterity.
Correct flossing prevents gum inflammation and decay between the teeth, making it an essential step in your oral hygiene routine.
When Should You Floss? Before or After Brushing?
One of the most common questions about flossing is whether to do it before or after brushing. According to specialists, the best answer is before brushing.
Why Floss Before Brushing?
- It removes food debris and plaque, so the fluoride in the toothpaste reaches the surfaces between the teeth better.
- Particles loosened by the floss do not stay in the mouth, as they are removed by brushing and the final rinse.
- It makes brushing more effective, leaving teeth cleaner and better protected.
What If I Floss Afterwards? Does It Matter?
Flossing after brushing is still beneficial, as it removes debris left between the teeth. However, the clean will not be as effective as when you floss before brushing.
The Most Important Thing Is to Make It a Habit
Whenever you choose to do it, the essential thing is to floss at least once a day. Adapt your oral hygiene routine to your needs and preferences, always making sure the clean is complete.
What Types of Dental Floss Are There?
Not all dental floss is the same. There are different types to suit individual needs, depending on the gaps between the teeth, gum sensitivity and whether you wear braces.
1. Nylon Floss (Multifilament)
- Made of several twisted fibres.
- Available waxed or unwaxed.
- Tends to fray more easily between tight teeth.
2. PTFE Floss (Monofilament)
- Made of a single smooth filament that does not fray.
- Ideal for people with very tight teeth.
- Stronger and easier to handle.
3. Dental Tape
- Wider and flatter than traditional floss.
- Suitable for people with larger gaps between the teeth.
- Covers a larger area of tooth surface.
4. Waxed vs. Unwaxed Floss
- Waxed: slides more easily between the teeth and is recommended for people who find flossing difficult.
- Unwaxed: creates more friction and may therefore remove plaque better.
5. Flavoured Floss
- Comes in flavours such as mint for a fresh feeling.
- It does not change how well it cleans, but can make the habit more pleasant.
6. Superfloss (for Braces and Prostheses)
- Designed for people with braces, crowns or implants.
- Has stiff ends to make threading between the teeth easier.
- Has a spongy section for more effective plaque removal.
Choosing the right floss can make a difference to your oral hygiene routine. If you are not sure which is best for you, ask your dentist for a personalised recommendation.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Floss?
Although dental floss is highly effective, some people look for alternatives because of difficulty handling it, sensitive gums or a preference for more practical methods. Fortunately, there are other options for complete oral hygiene.
1. Interdental Brushes
- Small cylindrical brushes that clean the spaces between the teeth.
- Ideal for people with wider gaps or who wear braces.
- Available in different sizes to suit each need.
2. Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators)
- Devices that use jets of water to remove debris and plaque.
- Suitable for people with sensitive gums, prostheses or limited dexterity.
- They can complement floss but do not fully replace it.
3. Interdental Picks
- Small flexible picks with a silicone coating or soft bristles.
- They help remove food particles quickly.
- Less effective than floss at removing plaque.
4. Floss Picks (Flossers)
- Small holders with pre-stretched floss, making it easier to use.
- Useful for people who struggle to hold traditional floss.
- Practical and portable, ideal when you are out.
Although these alternatives are useful, none fully replaces dental floss. The ideal is to combine them as needed for effective oral hygiene.
It Hurts When I Floss. What Could It Be?
If flossing hurts, it may point to a gum problem or the wrong technique. Pain is not normal and can be a sign of inflammation, sensitivity or a dental condition that needs attention.
Main Causes of Pain When Flossing
- Gingivitis or gum inflammation
- If your gums bleed or hurt, it may be a sign of gingivitis, caused by plaque build-up.
- In this case, continuing to floss correctly can improve gum health over time.
- Incorrect flossing
- Using too much force or pressing the floss directly into the gum can cause pain and even small cuts.
- Insert the floss gently and move it along the tooth without pressing on the gums.
- Very tight teeth
- Some people have very tight gaps between their teeth, which makes flossing uncomfortable.
- In these cases, thinner floss or PTFE (monofilament) floss can be a solution.
- Decay or other dental problems
- Localised pain when flossing can be a sign of decay between the teeth or even a fractured tooth.
- If the pain persists, it is important to see a dentist.
- Tooth sensitivity
- A deeper discomfort may be sensitivity caused by gum recession or enamel wear.
- In these cases, a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help.
How to Avoid the Pain
✔ Use a floss suited to your teeth.
✔ Use less force and gentle “C”-shaped movements.
✔ If there is bleeding, keep flossing daily to improve gum health.
✔ See a dentist if the pain persists, to rule out problems such as decay or more serious gum inflammation.
At Atelier do Sorriso Clinic we assess your oral health and recommend the best hygiene method for you. If flossing hurts, book an appointment and find out the cause before the problem progresses.
Keep Your Oral Hygiene Complete — Your Smile Will Thank You
Dental floss is an essential part of oral hygiene and should not be ignored. It removes plaque and food debris where the toothbrush cannot reach, helping to prevent decay, gingivitis and bad breath.
If you do not floss yet, start today! Choose the right type of floss, follow the correct technique and keep a daily routine. If you have questions about how to floss or the best alternative, the Atelier do Sorriso Clinic team can help.
Book your appointment and find out how to take better care of your smile!
Address: Rua João de Deus, Lote 1C, Almancil, Algarve (See on Maps)