Two surfaces your toothbrush never touches
Every tooth has five surfaces and a brush reaches three. The two between-tooth surfaces are where most adult cavities and the earliest gum disease begin. Flossing is not an upsell; it is half of basic cleaning.
Do it before bed, not after coffee
Overnight, saliva flow drops and bacteria multiply. Flossing at night removes the food and plaque they would otherwise feed on for eight hours. The time of day matters more than the time of week.
Hate string floss? Use anything you will actually use
Floss picks, interdental brushes and water flossers all work. The best tool is the one you reach for daily. If your gums bleed at first, that is inflammation, not damage, and it usually settles within two weeks of consistent flossing.
