Simply brushing your teeth morning and evening is not always enough to keep your mouth truly healthy. Between two teeth, where the bristles of the brush pass poorly, food residue and bacteria often continue to accumulate discreetly. In a video posted on Instagram, Dr Sacha Gabriel, dental surgeon, discusses a quick gesture performed a few minutes before brushing, which helps prevent plaque, tartar and certain gum diseases which can end up permanently weakening teeth.
Why dental floss remains essential for the gums
The problem with traditional brushing is that it does not properly clean the narrow areas between the teeth. Over time, bacteria settles there and forms a plaque that is difficult to see with the naked eye.
In the video, Dr. Gabriel says that not cleaning these spaces amounts to “letting bacterial plaque build up“. This plaque can then turn into tartar, a much harder deposit that no longer disappears with a simple toothbrush.
When this buildup progresses below the gum line, the tissues become more sensitive and may begin to shrink. This is called loose teeth. The video also emphasizes this point with this very direct sentence: “It prevents teeth from loosening and when there is no loosening, you don’t lose your teeth.“.
Dental floss therefore acts as a targeted cleaning that the brush alone cannot provide. A few passes are enough to remove stuck debris and limit bacterial proliferation.
Why do gums bleed when you floss?
Many people immediately stop flossing at the first bleeding, convinced that it is damaging their gums. However, this phenomenon often reflects inflammation that is already present.
According to the expert, bleeding doesn’t mean you should give up flossing. On the contrary : “This is a sign that your gums need it, not the other way around.“.
When bacteria stays between teeth for too long, the gums become more fragile and react to the slightest contact. Regular flossing can gradually reduce this inflammation and make the tissues more resilient.
This little gesture also affects the breath. Residue stuck between teeth ferments quickly and promotes bad odors, even in people who brush their teeth carefully.
A few minutes of flossing can save you many dental appointments
Flossing rarely takes more than two or three minutes. However, this daily habit can limit several common problems:
- Tartar buildup;
- Inflammation of the gums;
- Bleeding;
-
Bad breath;
- The risk of loosening.
Over time, this preventive care can also reduce more extensive dental procedures and repeated professional cleanings. Dentists generally quickly identify areas that have never been cleaned between teeth.
Even without a thorough examination, swollen gums, plaque deposits or certain odors are often telltale signs of incomplete hygiene.