Written By: Bhavya Gulati | Published : January 16, 2026 8:09 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr. Amita Garg
Importance Of Flossing And Mouthwash In Oral Care Expert Reveals Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough
Good oral hygiene is not as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day. Although brushing is a very important step, dental professionals note that it cannot remove plaque, food debris and bacteria completely.The significance of flossing and mouthwash in the care of the mouth is crucial to the prevention of cavities, gingival disease, and a long-term oral issues.
The main surfaces of the teeth that are cleaned by brushing are front and back, as well as the chewing surfaces. Almost 40 per cent of the tooth surface is, however, between the teeth and under the gumline areas that are not easily accessible by the toothbrush bristles. In such areas, bacteria multiply as long as there are food particles that the bacteria use as food. In the long run, this plaque may harden to form tartar that makes one more vulnerable to the effects of tooth decay, inflammation of the gums, and bad breaths.
Dr. Amita Garg, MDS, Periodontist And Oral Implantologist, reveals,
"Brushing only has its own limitations as bristles can not reach all parts of our mouth, like below gums and interdental areas. Which makes 30 to 40% area from where plaque removal and bacterial colonisation need to be removed for our healthy mouth, which can be achieved with mouthwash and flossing".
Professionals recommend brushing teeth after loosening plaque and food debris between teeth with flossing.Mouthwash should be used after brushing so that the bacteria left behind are washed and breath made fresh. At the right sequence, every stage will be optimally beneficial and enhance the overall health of the mouth.Flossing and mouthwash will be included in your daily routine and can help a lot to decrease the number of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Proper oral hygiene is also beneficial in general health since poor dental hygiene has been observed to cause heart diseases, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Professional check-ups by a dentist after every six months also go a long way in ensuring that there is optimum oral health.
Overall, it is not simply enough to brush your teeth and gums. Due to the significance of flossing and the use of mouthwash in oral care, a better routine will have a greater impact on your life to ensure that you have strong teeth that are healthy in the gums, and your oral health will be maintained.
