Dental floss, Zahnseide in German, cleans the spaces between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Without it, bacterial plaque builds up on contact surfaces, leading to interproximal caries (Approximalkaries) and gum inflammation.
The German Dental Association (DGZMK) recommends flossing at least once daily, ideally in the evening before brushing.
Proper technique: step by step
Cut 40-50 cm of floss
Wind it around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving 3-5 cm of working length. Guide the floss with thumbs and index fingers.
Slide in gently, no snapping
Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between teeth. Forcing it down can injure the gum papilla.
Curve around each tooth in a C shape
Press the floss against one tooth surface and move it up and down 5-7 times. Then repeat on the adjacent tooth in the same gap.
Use a clean section for each gap
Wind the floss forward to avoid transferring bacteria from one tooth to the next.
Types of dental floss
Waxed floss
Slides easily between tightly spaced teeth. Great for beginners.
Unwaxed floss
Grips plaque better due to its rough surface. May shred in very tight contacts.
Superfloss
Floss with a stiff threader end for bridges and fixed braces. Essential during orthodontic treatment.
Alternatives to floss
Interdental brushes (Interdentalbürsten): the top choice for wider gaps. Studies show they are more effective than floss for patients with gum disease.
Water flosser (Munddusche): a supplement, not a replacement. It rinses food particles but does not remove adherent biofilm as effectively.
Common mistakes
"My gums bleed when I floss, so I should stop." The opposite is true. Bleeding signals gum inflammation (gingivitis), and flossing actually helps resolve it. After 1-2 weeks of daily use, the bleeding typically stops.
"Floss creates gaps between my teeth." No. Floss cannot move teeth. The gaps become more visible when swollen, inflamed gums return to their healthy size, and that is a good sign.