Is a water flosser better than floss?

Both string floss and water flossers can effectively clean between teeth, so the best method is the one you will use consistently. Here are some pros and cons of each. Water Flosser Pros - Some people find them easier to handle than string floss - More comfortable for those with sensitive gums, braces, or dental work like permanent or fixed...

Is flossing 3 times a week enough?

Sadly, no. Flossing three times a week is better than nothing, but it’s not sufficient to maintain optimal oral health. The BDA recommends flossing at least once a day.

How Many Times a Day Should You Floss?

WHY ORAL-B - FLOSS

How Many Times a Day Should You Floss?

Last updated 06/25

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Floss Once a Day. The ADA recommends flossing once daily to remove plaque and particles.
Timing Doesn’t Matter. Whether it’s in the morning or at night, the important thing is to floss consistently.
Proper Technique is Crucial. Use the correct flossing method to get the maximum benefit and avoid damaging your gums.
Consider Alternatives to Floss. If traditional floss isn’t comfortable, there are other interdental cleaning tools to explore.
Consistency is Key. Make flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene routine for the best results.

Image of woman flossing her top front teeth with string floss

Recommended Flossing Frequency

According to the British Dental Association (BDA), flossing once a day is sufficient for most people
Plaque forms continuously in your mouth and takes about 24 hours for bacteria to organise into harmful colonies. Flossing once daily disrupts this process, preventing plaque buildup, and keeping your gums healthy.
A daily flossing routine helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can't effectively clean.
There is no recommended amount of time for flossing, but it’s important to floss thoroughly between each tooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Regular flossing reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Can You Floss More Than Once a Day?

Absolutely. Especially if there are extenuating circumstances that might warrant flossing more frequently. For example, if you notice food particles or plaque accumulating on your teeth between meals. Or if you have dental appliances where food can get trapped more easily, such as braces, bridges, or other dental appliances.

There are a couple of watch-outs. Make sure you’re flossing correctly with proper pressure and not too vigorously to avoid irritating your gums.

When Should You Floss: Morning or Night?

When you floss isn’t as important as doing it consistently. Whether you choose to floss in the morning or before bed, the key is to make it a regular part of your routine.

Some studies suggest flossing before brushing can be more effective. Flossing first loosens debris and plaque, allowing your toothbrush to remove it more thoroughly. However, the BDA states that either order is acceptable, as long as you’re thorough.

A person flossing their top teeth with string floss

The Right Technique

Proper flossing technique is crucial to avoid damaging your gums.

Use the Right Length of Floss

Cut about 18 inches of floss. This allows you to use a clean section of floss for each tooth

Grip the Floss

Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, and leave an inch or two to work with

Guide Between Teeth

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, then gently slide it between your teeth using a rubbing motion

Never snap the floss into your gums.

Form a C Shape

When the floss reaches the gumline, curl it into a C shape against one tooth, then gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth

Clean Both Sides

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, slightly away from the gums and gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth

Don’t forget the back side of your mouth.

Alternatives to Traditional Floss

If you don’t care for traditional floss, there are other methods to clean between your teeth. Discuss the best option for your needs with your dentist or dental hygienist:

Floss Picks Picks are handy for quick use, but might not be as effective as string floss
Interdental Brushes These are small brushes designed to clean between teeth
Water Flossers These devices use a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque
Dental Tape Tape is thicker than regular floss and is suitable for wider spaces between teeth

Summary

Flossing once a day is generally sufficient to maintain oral health. The goal is to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can't reach. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Beyond doing it consistently, doing it properly is important. Flossing usually takes around 2-3 minutes. Make sure you’re flossing correctly with proper pressure and not too vigorously. Being gentle will avoid irritating your gums. And if traditional floss isn’t right for you, there are other options such as floss picks, brushes, tape and water flossers.

Remember, consistency is key. Choose a time and routine that works best for you and stick with it. Your teeth will thank you—not to mention your dentist.

Good Oral Hygiene Starts with Oral-B

Healthy gums are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth. For healthy gums, the first line of defense is to see a dental professional. They can do a proper examination and provide advice. But there are things you can do to help.

When you brush with Oral-B iO electric toothbrushes, you can protect your gums and help prevent future gum recession. Oral-B iO helps maintain gum health better than a manual toothbrush.
The right toothbrush head, such as the Oral-B Ultimate Clean brush head, helps remove plaque and has different bristle lengths that reach deep into the spaces between your teeth, where plaque loves to hide.

Good oral hygiene is a vital component of overall health. Oral-B strives to provide high-quality tools that make your daily routine easier and more effective. Our products are engineered to target plaque and help you sustain clean teeth and healthy gums, supporting the foundation of a healthy mouth.

Shop this article

Oral-B iO3 Electric Toothbrush + Travel Case

Sold by THG Ingenuity

Oral-B iO Ultimate Clean Toothbrush Heads 4 Pack

Sold by THG Ingenuity

Oral-B Pro-Expert Professional Protection Toothpaste 75ml

Sold by THG Ingenuity

FAQs

Both string floss and water flossers can effectively clean between teeth, so the best method is the one you will use consistently. Here are some pros and cons of each.

Water Flosser Pros
- Some people find them easier to handle than string floss
- More comfortable for those with sensitive gums, braces, or dental work like permanent or fixed bridges
- May be easier to use for those with limited dexterity
- Can help reduce gum bleeding and improve gum health
- May be a better option for those who find traditional flossing difficult or unappealing
  
  Water Flosser Cons
- May not be as effective as string floss at removing plaque in all areas, especially between closely spaced teeth
- More expensive than string floss
- Less portable, requiring electricity and a water reservoir
  
  String Floss Pros
- Can reach tight spaces between teeth and around the gumline more effectively than water flossers in some cases
- Portable and can be used without electricity
- Less expensive than water flossers
  
  String Floss Cons
- Can be uncomfortable and difficult to use, especially for those with sensitive gums or braces
- May not reach as deeply into gum pockets as water flossers
Sadly, no. Flossing three times a week is better than nothing, but it’s not sufficient to maintain optimal oral health. The BDA recommends flossing at least once a day.

Sources

About Oral-B

About the shop