Dental floss: why is it essential for good oral hygiene?

Dental floss: why is it essential for good oral hygiene?

Published on March 24, 2026

Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health. However, it's not always enough to eliminate all the bacteria in your mouth. Some areas remain difficult to reach, especially the spaces between your teeth.
This is where the dental floss, a tool often recommended by dentists but still too little used on a daily basis.

So, What is the real purpose of dental floss? And why is it considered a key step in protecting teeth and gums? Here's what you need to know.

1. Dental floss cleans areas that the toothbrush cannot reach

Even with thorough brushing, the toothbrush cannot always reach the interdental spaces, these very narrow areas between the teeth where bacteria and food residue easily accumulate.

Over time, these deposits form what is called the plaque, a bacterial film responsible for many oral health problems.
Le dental floss allows you to precisely clean these hard-to-reach areas and remove plaque before it turns into limescale.

When used regularly, it effectively complements brushing your teeth and helps to maintain a healthier mouth.

2. Dental floss helps prevent cavities and gum problems

Bacteria present between the teeth can promote the development of interdental caries, which develop in areas sometimes invisible to the naked eye.
They can also cause inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis, which manifests as redness, bleeding or sensitivity when brushing.

By removing the plaque from these spaces, the dental floss helps reduce the risk of cavities and preserve gum health.
That's why dentists generally recommend using it. once a day, in addition to brushing.

3. Flossing helps freshen breath

Food residue and bacteria accumulated between the teeth can also be responsible for a halitosis.
Even with regular brushing, these areas can remain active bacterial hotspots.

Le The Smilist Dental Microfilament This helps to eliminate these deposits and limit the production of compounds responsible for odors.
Combined with gentle brushing and a mouthwash that respects the oral microbiota, it helps to maintain fresh breath and a longer-lasting feeling of clean mouth.

In summary: why use dental floss?

  • Dental floss cleans the interdental spaces that the toothbrush cannot reach.
  • It helps prevent cavities between the teeth.
  • It protects the gums by limiting the accumulation of plaque.
  • It contributes to fresher breath and a healthier mouth.

At The SmilistWe believe that oral health relies on simple yet essential actions. Regular flossing is one of these key actions for maintaining a healthy smile.

Christiane
Dentist & Co-founder of The Smilist

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