Do You Really Need to Clean Between Your Teeth? Why Brushing Alone May Not Be Enough
Brushing cleans many tooth surfaces, but what about the spaces between them? Learn why interdental cleaning matters and which options may work for you.
Most of us know the basics of oral care: brush your teeth twice a day, use fluoride toothpaste, and visit the dentist regularly.
But there is one part of the mouth that is easy to overlook: the spaces between your teeth.
A toothbrush does a good job of cleaning many tooth surfaces, but its bristles cannot always reach effectively into the tight spaces where teeth touch each other. Food particles and plaque can remain there, which is why cleaning between your teeth is an important part of a complete oral care routine.
That does not necessarily mean everyone needs to use traditional string floss. Depending on the spaces between your teeth, your dental work, and what you find manageable, there may be other options.
So, do you really need to clean between your teeth? And what is the best way to do it?
Why brushing alone does not clean everything
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. It contains bacteria and can build up throughout the day.
Brushing helps remove plaque from the surfaces your toothbrush can reach. However, the areas between teeth can be difficult for toothbrush bristles to clean effectively.
When plaque is not regularly removed, it can contribute to problems such as gum inflammation and tooth decay. Over time, plaque can also harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing at home and requires professional cleaning.
This is why oral health advice often focuses on more than brushing. Cleaning between the teeth helps target an area that your toothbrush may miss.
What does “cleaning between your teeth” actually mean?
Many people automatically think of dental floss. Floss is one option, but it is not the only one.
The general goal is to remove plaque and trapped debris from between the teeth.
Depending on your mouth and the size of the spaces between your teeth, options can include:
- Traditional dental floss
- Dental tape
- Floss picks or holders
- Interdental brushes
- Water flossers
- Other interdental cleaning devices
The best option is not always the same for everyone.
For example, traditional floss may work well when teeth are very close together. Interdental brushes can be useful when there are larger spaces between teeth. A dentist or dental hygienist can help you choose an option that fits your individual needs.
Is flossing really necessary?
This question has caused some confusion over the years because the long-term evidence on flossing alone is more limited than many people expect.
That does not mean cleaning between your teeth is unnecessary.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that the main purpose of flossing is to clean areas between teeth that brushing cannot reach and to disrupt plaque before it hardens into tartar. Research on home interdental cleaning has found that adding floss or interdental brushes to toothbrushing may help reduce plaque or gingivitis compared with brushing alone, although some of the available evidence is limited and based on relatively short-term studies.
The practical takeaway is simple: the goal is not necessarily to use one specific tool. The goal is to clean between your teeth effectively and consistently.
How do you know which option may work best?
Your mouth is unique.
The spaces between your teeth may be tight, open, or different from one area to another. You may also have braces, bridges, implants, crowns, or other dental work that changes how you should clean.
Traditional floss
Traditional floss can be a good choice for people with tight spaces between their teeth.
Technique matters. Instead of snapping the floss forcefully into the gums, it should be eased gently between the teeth and curved around the side of each tooth. This helps clean the tooth surface while reducing the risk of irritating the gum tissue.
Interdental brushes
These are small brushes designed specifically to clean between teeth.
They come in different sizes, and the right size should fit comfortably without being forced. They may be particularly useful when there are larger spaces between teeth.
Water flossers
A water flosser uses a stream of water to clean around and between teeth and along the gumline.
Some people find it easier to use than traditional floss, particularly if holding and controlling string floss is difficult. Water flossers are considered another option for interdental cleaning, although the best choice can depend on your individual situation.
Floss holders and picks
These tools can make floss easier to handle for some people. They may be especially helpful if you struggle with finger dexterity or simply find traditional floss awkward to use.
The important thing is to use the tool properly and clean all the relevant spaces rather than only the easiest ones to reach.
Does your technique matter?
Yes.
Using floss or another interdental cleaner quickly and randomly may not be as effective as developing a consistent technique.
With traditional floss, the goal is to gently clean along the side of each tooth rather than simply moving the floss straight up and down through the gap.
If you are unsure whether you are doing it correctly, asking your dentist or dental hygienist for a quick demonstration can be surprisingly helpful.
The same applies to interdental brushes and other devices. Using the right size and technique matters, especially if you have dental restorations, implants, or gum disease.
How often should you clean between your teeth?
Major dental organizations generally recommend cleaning between your teeth daily.
The exact time of day is less important than building a routine you can actually maintain.
Some people prefer doing it before brushing at night. Others find that another time of day works better.
The American Dental Association notes that either order can be acceptable as long as cleaning is done thoroughly. The NHS recommends flossing before brushing, while also emphasizing daily cleaning between the teeth.
If you regularly forget, attaching the habit to something you already do every day can make it easier. For example, keeping your floss or interdental cleaner next to your toothbrush can serve as a simple reminder.
What if your gums bleed when you clean between your teeth?
Bleeding gums should not simply be ignored.
It can happen when gums are irritated or inflamed, often because plaque has built up around the gumline. If you have recently started cleaning between your teeth after rarely doing so, you may notice some bleeding initially.
However, persistent or frequent bleeding deserves attention.
Other possible signs of gum problems can include swollen or red gums, tenderness, or changes in how your gums look around your teeth. A dentist can examine the cause and recommend the appropriate care.
It is also important not to clean aggressively. Forcing floss into the gums or using an interdental brush that is too large can cause irritation or injury.
A simple routine can make a real difference
You do not need an elaborate collection of oral care products.
For most people, a basic routine includes:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between the teeth once a day with an appropriate method
- Visiting a dentist for regular check-ups and professional care
- Paying attention to changes such as persistent bleeding, pain, or swelling
Consistency matters more than having the most complicated routine.
If traditional floss is difficult or unpleasant for you, it may be worth exploring another interdental cleaning method rather than giving up on cleaning between your teeth altogether.
The bottom line
Brushing is essential, but it does not always clean the spaces between your teeth effectively.
Cleaning those areas helps remove plaque and debris from places your toothbrush may not reach. Traditional floss is one option, but interdental brushes, water flossers, and other devices may be better suited to some people.
The best routine is one that fits your mouth, is comfortable enough to maintain, and is appropriate for your individual dental needs.
If you are unsure which option to use, your dentist or dental hygienist can help you find an approach that makes sense for you.
Sources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss?
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Oral Hygiene
American Dental Association, Dental Floss/Interdental Cleaners
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Periodontal (Gum) Disease
NHS, How to Keep Your Teeth Clean