Isn't brushing twice a day enough?

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential, but your toothbrush can only reach about 60-70% of your tooth surfaces. The rest? That's the tight spaces between your teeth where food and plaque build up.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. Left undisturbed, it can cause:

• Tooth decay between teeth
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Gum disease, which in the long term can lead to tooth loss

So when dentists “nag” you to floss, it's not about being picky — it's about protecting the 30-40% of your mouth your toothbrush misses.

Floss vs interdental brushes

For many people, especially adults, interdental brushes (the small bottle-brush style cleaners) work better than floss. They're easier to handle and more effective at cleaning larger gaps between teeth.

• Floss is best for tight spaces where brushes won't fit.
• Interdental brushes are great if you have spaces, gum recession, or dental work like bridges.

Your dentist or hygienist can recommend the best option for you.

How often do I need to floss?

The gold standard is once a day. But here's the honest truth: even flossing or using interdental brushes a few times a week makes a big difference compared to not doing it at all.

Think of it like exercise — some is always better than none.

What if my gums bleed?

Many people stop flossing because their gums bleed. Ironically, that's usually a sign you need to floss more, not less. Bleeding gums are often an early warning of gum disease (gingivitis). With regular cleaning between your teeth, the bleeding should improve within a couple of weeks.

Quick tips for easier flossing

• Pick the right tool: floss, tape, or brushes depending on your teeth
• Be gentle: don't snap floss down onto your gums — curve it around each tooth instead
• Make it routine: try before brushing at night so it becomes a habit
• Don't panic if you miss a day: just pick it up again the next night

The bottom line

Dentists keep asking about flossing because it's one of the simplest, cheapest ways to:

• Prevent gum disease
• Reduce bad breath
• Protect against decay between teeth
• Keep your smile healthy long term

So the next time your dentist “nags” you to floss, remember — we can see if you only started the night before your appointment 😄

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What actually happens at a dental check-up?

A regular check-up isn't just about looking for cavities. Your dentist will:

• Check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer
• Look at your bite and jaw to make sure everything's working properly
• Keep an eye on any past dental work like fillings or crowns
• Give you advice on brushing, flossing, diet, and more

It's your chance to catch any problems early — often before you even feel them.

Why so often?

Some people might only need to see a dentist once a year. Others may need to come every 6 months or sooner. It all depends on:

• Your overall oral health
• Whether you've had issues like gum disease or tooth decay in the past
• Your age, medical history, and daily habits (like smoking or snacking)

Your dentist will let you know what's right for you — it's not one-size-fits-all.

What if I feel fine?

That's exactly the point. Dental problems don't always hurt at first.

By the time a toothache hits or a gum infection flares up, things may already be more complicated (and costly) to fix.

Think of check-ups like a MOT for your mouth — quick, straightforward, and often what prevents bigger problems down the line.

What about kids?

Children should see a dentist from around age 1, even if they just have a few baby teeth. These early visits help:

• Spot any issues with development
• Get kids comfortable at the dentist
• Build healthy habits from the start

Can check-ups save me money?

Absolutely. Spotting a small problem early — like the start of a cavity — could save you from needing more expensive treatments later, like root canals or extractions.

In short...

Your dentist recommends regular check-ups because:

• They help catch problems early
• They keep your mouth healthy long-term
• They're quicker, easier, and cheaper than waiting until something goes wrong

If it's been a while since your last visit — don't stress. Just book in and get back on track.

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