USA Today (12/31, Oglesby) included flossing daily in a list of “small New Year’s resolutions with big payoffs.” The article added, “Though flossing’s role in health and hygiene was questioned in news articles in 2016, flossing remains ‘an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums,’ along with brushing twice daily and regular dental checkups, according to the American Dental Association. Flossing prevents the buildup of plaque, or a film of bacteria, in places tooth brushes cannot reach, and therefore helps to preserve tooth and gum health, the association said.”
MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including information on the correct flossing technique. The ADA provides a list of floss and interdental cleaners with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Cleaning between your teeth is like when you wash your hands, you clean between your fingers. Think of dental floss like a very skinny tooth brush to get in between your teeth!