Why dental floss
is essential

Thorough oral hygiene involves more than brushing alone. Interdental spaces are particularly difficult to reach with a toothbrush and are common areas for plaque, food debris and bacteria to accumulate.

Dental floss provides targeted cleaning of these sensitive areas and effectively complements your daily oral care. When incorporated into a good oral hygiene routine, it helps prevent cavities between the teeth, maintain healthy gums and keep your breath fresh.

Book an appointment online +41 21 648 49 49 Whatsapp

fil-dentaire-hygiene-buccale-lausanne-D1DentalConcept

Why is dental floss so important ?

80% OF CAVITIES START BETWEEN THE TEETH

Brushing cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth, but it does not reach interdental spaces effectively. Cleaning between the teeth is therefore recommended to reduce plaque and protect gum health. For many patients, dental floss is a simple, accessible and effective solution when used correctly.

utilisation-fil-dentaire-conseils-lausanne-D1DentalConcept

Prevent cavities between the teeth

Cavities do not develop only on visible tooth surfaces. Plaque can also accumulate between the teeth, especially when these areas are not cleaned thoroughly. Regular flossing removes these deposits before they contribute to tooth decay.

Protect your gums

Gums that bleed, swell or become sensitive are often a sign of plaque-related inflammation. Good interdental hygiene helps reduce this problem and plays an important role in preventing gingivitis.

Reduce bad breath

Food debris trapped between the teeth can contribute to bad breath. Daily interdental cleaning helps eliminate this common source of discomfort.

Maintain long-term oral health

A few minutes of interdental cleaning each day can help prevent problems that may require more extensive treatment later. Caring for your mouth also helps preserve your natural teeth for longer and reduces the need for certain restorative treatments.

Our practical tips for making flossing a lasting habit

“Start simply, without aiming for perfection from day one. The goal is to establish a routine. Use slow, gentle and controlled movements. Avoid snapping the floss against your gums. If the floss frequently frays or gets stuck, or if certain areas remain difficult to reach, it is worth having them checked. A dentist or dental hygienist can then recommend the technique or interdental aid best suited to your needs.”

Dr. Stephan Beyer

How to floss correctly ?

Good technique makes all the difference. Flossing too quickly or forcefully may be ineffective and can even irritate the gums.

01

Take approximately 30 to 45 cm of dental floss. Wind part of it around your fingers so that you can use a clean section as you go.

02

Hold a short section taut between your fingers, gently slide it between two teeth, then curve it around one tooth to form a C shape.

03

Gently move the floss up and down against the surface of the tooth.

04

Repeat against the neighbouring tooth before moving to the next space.

When is the best time of day ?

Consistency is what matters most. Many patients find it easier to floss in the evening before bed, leaving their mouth clean overnight. However, the best time is ultimately the one that allows you to maintain the habit every day.

How often should you floss ?

In most cases, cleaning between your teeth once a day is sufficient. You can use dental floss or another interdental aid, depending on the shape and spacing of your teeth and your dental professional’s recommendations.

What should you do if your gums bleed when you floss ?

Slight bleeding may occur at first when the gums are already irritated by plaque build-up. However, if the bleeding persists, occurs frequently or is accompanied by pain, it is advisable to seek professional advice. This may indicate gingivitis, an unsuitable technique or the need for a more appropriate interdental aid.

Dental floss or interdental brushes ?

Dental floss is not the only option. Some people have very tight spaces between their teeth, wear braces, have implants or have an anatomy for which interdental brushes are more suitable. The right aid therefore depends on your individual clinical situation. Personalised advice can help you avoid common mistakes and achieve more effective cleaning.

When should you ask a dentist or dental hygienist for advice ?

Professional guidance can be helpful if :

your gums bleed frequently
you find it difficult to floss between certain teeth
you wear braces or another orthodontic appliance
you have implants, crowns or bridges
you are unsure whether dental floss or interdental brushes are better suited to your mouth

This personalised approach is particularly helpful for improving your daily oral hygiene without unnecessary steps or repeated irritation.

Nos recommandations

Conseils pratiques de nos dentistes

À faire

Utilisez le fil dentaire au moins une fois par jour, idéalement le soir
Soyez doux avec vos gencives pour éviter les irritations
Utilisez environ 45 cm de fil pour chaque séance
Formez un C autour de chaque dent pour un nettoyage complet
Prenez votre temps, la qualité prime sur la vitesse

À éviter

Ne claquez pas le fil entre vos dents brutalement
N’utilisez pas le même segment pour toutes les dents
Ne négligez pas les dents du fond, plus difficiles d’accès
N’arrêtez pas si vos gencives saignent, consultez votre dentiste

Dental care near Lausanne

Advice tailored to your needs

Flossing is a simple step, but it can make a real difference when performed correctly and incorporated into a consistent routine. Personalised advice can be invaluable in preventing cavities between the teeth, protecting your gums and improving your oral hygiene over the long term.

Book an appointment with the D1 Dental Concept team for personalised guidance.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT +41 21 648 49 49