Is Flossing Really Necessary?

You’ve probably heard your dentist say it: “You need to floss every day.” But is flossing really necessary if you brush well? The short answer: yes — and it’s one of the most important habits for keeping your gums and teeth healthy.

At Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, AL, we see a big difference in patients who floss daily versus those who don’t. This article explains why flossing matters, how it prevents gum disease, and what alternatives you can use if flossing is difficult.

Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough

Your toothbrush cleans only 60% of your tooth surfaces.
The remaining 40% — between the teeth — must be cleaned manually, and only floss or a similar tool can reach it.

Without flossing, plaque between the teeth:

• Hardens into tartar
• Causes gum inflammation
• Leads to cavities
• Creates bad breath
• Triggers bone loss over time

How Flossing Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease begins silently. Food and bacteria get stuck between the teeth and along the gumline. This creates inflammation called gingivitis — the early stage of gum disease.

Flossing:

• Removes bacteria before it hardens
• Reduces gum bleeding
• Prevents infection
• Lowers risk for bone loss
• Helps prevent tooth loss

At Sweet Water Dentistry, we evaluate your gum health at each visit and show you personalized flossing techniques.

Flossing and Cavities

Most cavities in adults form between the teeth — the exact place floss cleans.

Flossing prevents:

• Sticky plaque buildup
• Hidden decay
• Deep cavities that require root canals

It’s one of the simplest—and cheapest—ways to avoid expensive future treatment.

Best Flossing Options

⭐ 1. Traditional String Floss

Best for: most adults
Benefits: most effective at scraping plaque off the tooth

⭐ 2. Water Flossers (Waterpik)

Best for:

• Braces
• Bridges
• Sensitive gums
• Implants

Water flossers are excellent, but don’t always fully replace string floss.

⭐ 3. Floss Picks

Best for:

• Kids
• Travelers
• People with limited dexterity

⭐ 4. Interdental Brushes

Great for patients with gum recession, implants, or bone loss.

Common Myths About Flossing

Myth 1: Flossing makes my gums bleed, so I stopped.

Truth: Bleeding gums mean you need more flossing, not less.

Myth 2: If I brush well, I don’t need to floss.

Brushing doesn’t clean between the teeth — flossing does.

Myth 3: Mouthwash replaces flossing.

No mouthwash can remove plaque that’s stuck to the tooth.

Conclusion

Flossing is essential for maintaining healthy gums, a clean smile, and long-term oral health. At Sweet Water Dentistry, we help our Fairhope patients build easy, effective flossing habits customized to their needs.

Visit us for expert care:

Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773

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