Do I really need to floss (or is brushing enough / does flossing actually help)?

Do I really need to floss? It's a fair question. Especially after years of mixed messages in the media about whether flossing is truly essential. Many patients wonder if they can skip it since brushing feels like the main event. The short answer from our team and major dental organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) is clear: Yes, flossing (or another form of interdental cleaning) is important and brushing alone isn't enough for optimal oral health.

Why Brushing Alone Falls Short

Brushing your teeth twice a day is fantastic—it removes plaque and bacteria from the broad surfaces of your teeth (about 60% of the total tooth area). But your toothbrush simply can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth and just below the gumline. That's where up to 40% of plaque hides.

This interdental plaque contains bacteria that feed on food particles, producing acids that lead to:

• Cavities (especially between teeth, where they're harder to spot early)

• Gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums—the early stage of gum disease)

• Periodontitis (advanced gum disease that can cause tooth loss)

If left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar, which only a professional dental cleaning can remove. Flossing disrupts this buildup daily, preventing it from turning into bigger problems.

What the Evidence Says About Flossing

While some older reports questioned the strength of long-term studies on flossing (noting that large-scale, decades-long trials are rare and expensive), more recent research supports its benefits:

• Analyses of studies show that adding flossing or interdental cleaners to brushing reduces plaque and gingivitis more effectively than brushing alone, especially in short- to medium-term results.

• The ADA continues to recommend cleaning between teeth once a day, reaffirming it as an "essential" part of oral hygiene. They emphasize that interdental cleaning prevents plaque buildup that leads to cavities and gum disease.

• Emerging studies link regular flossing (even once a week or more) to broader health perks, like a reduced risk of stroke, irregular heart rhythms (such as AFib), and other cardiovascular issues—likely because it lowers overall inflammation from gum disease.

In other words, while flossing isn't a miracle cure-all, the biological logic is sound: removing bacteria from hard-to-reach areas protects your mouth and contributes to whole-body wellness.

How to Floss Effectively

To get the most benefit:

1. Use about 18 inches of floss (wind most around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with).

2. Gently slide it between teeth in a C-shape, curving it against each tooth.

3. Move it up and down under the gumline—don't snap it like a saw!

4. Use a fresh section for each gap.

5. If traditional floss is tricky, try floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers—many patients find these easier and just as effective.

Bonus tip: Some research suggests flossing before brushing lets fluoride from toothpaste reach between teeth better for extra protection.

The Bottom Line for Your Smile - Do I really need to floss?

Brushing is crucial, but skipping flossing leaves nearly half your teeth vulnerable. Daily interdental cleaning is a simple, low-cost habit that helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and even supports heart health. At Gunitskiy Family Dentistry, we treat our patients like family and see firsthand how consistent flossing makes a difference—fewer surprises at checkups and healthier smiles all around.

If you're in London, Ontario, and want personalized advice on your routine (or help choosing the right floss/tools), book an appointment with us. We're here to make oral care easy and effective.

Ready for a healthier smile? 

Contact Gunitskiy Family Dentistry today or give us a call. Your teeth (and gums) will thank you!

Gunitskiy Family Dentistry – 1117 Adelaide St. N, London, ON – We treat our patients like family.