11 Dental Hygiene Habits for Long-Term Oral Health

2. Floss and clean interdental spaces daily

Daily interdental cleaning removes plaque and food where a toothbrush can’t reach. Use traditional floss, waxed floss, floss picks, or small interdental brushes, depending on your tooth spacing. The goal is to gently remove the film along and just under the gumline. With floss, slide it between teeth, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth, and move it up and down with control. Avoid snapping the floss down, which can harm gums. People with tight contacts often prefer thin floss or a water flosser. Interdental brushes work well for larger gaps and around bridges or implants. If you’re unsure of technique, ask your hygienist to demonstrate; many patients find a short in-office demo improves their home routine. Make interdental cleaning part of your nightly routine: it complements brushing and lowers the risk of gingivitis and cavities between teeth.