To clean parts of your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach, you use dental floss.
Keeping your teeth clean involves more than just brushing. A toothbrush effectively cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but it often cannot get into the tight spaces between them or just below the gum line. This is where other tools, specifically dental floss, become essential.
According to dental hygiene practices, dental floss is required to remove plaque specifically from between your teeth, where your toothbrush doesn't reach. Making it a habit to floss daily ensures these hidden areas are cleaned, preventing the buildup of plaque which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Think of your oral hygiene routine as a multi-tool approach:
- Toothbrush: Cleans the main surfaces (front, back, top).
- Dental Floss: Cleans the tight spaces between teeth.
By using dental floss, you access these critical areas that your toothbrush misses, providing a more complete clean for your entire mouth.