How often should you floss

What are the benefits of flossing?

Regular flossing is crucial for your oral hygiene. Without it, plaque builds up on your gum line and between your teeth - increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Flossing keeps your mouth healthy by:

• Removing food particles and plaque from areas a toothbrush can't reach - such as tight tooth gaps.

• Removing more bad breath-causing bacteria than just brushing.

• Removing plaque below the gum line - which erodes enamel and turns into tartar.

• Reducing the risk of cavities.

• Reducing the likelihood of sore, red, and swollen gums.

• Preventing gingivitis and periodontitis.

Dr Sameer Patel, clinical director of Elleven Dental, says:

“Brushing only cleans three sides of your tooth - but floss and interdental brushes clean the other two sides by removing plaque and food from between your teeth and gums and stopping the build-up of plaque.

This helps to prevent problems such as decay, gingivitis, tartar build up, and bad breath."