The Missing Step in Your Oral Care Routine

Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes is the foundation of a healthy oral care routine. But even the best toothbrush can't fully clean the spaces between your teeth. In fact, brushing alone can leave nearly 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched. That's why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush just can’t reach.

That's where interdental cleaning comes in, a.k.a. flossing.

At quip, we believe every tool in your oral care routine should have a purpose. Whether you reach for string floss, a water flosser, or both, understanding how each one works helps you build a smarter, more complete oral care ritual (and not just a longer to-do list!).

Why Cleaning Between Your Teeth Matters

Plaque doesn't take days off, and neither should your oral care routine.

Throughout the day, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. That bacteria feeds on leftover food particles, especially sugars, and produces acids that can wear down enamel and contribute to cavities.

If plaque isn't removed through brushing and cleaning between your teeth, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

The good news? The fix is simple! Cleaning between your teeth daily helps remove plaque before it has the chance to build up. 

String Floss: The original, and the gold standard (for a reason!)

When people picture flossing, this is usually what comes to mind.

Traditional string floss is designed to slide comfortably between teeth and beneath the gumline, reaching areas your toothbrush physically can’t.. When used correctly, it's an effective way to clean tight spaces between teeth and remains a trusted part of daily oral care.

Water Flossing: A different approach to Interdental cleaning

Water flossing takes a different approach to the same goal.

Instead of a strand of floss, it uses a targeted, yet gentle stream of water to help rinse away food particles and plaque from between teeth and around the gumline.

Water flossers can be especially helpful for people with braces, bridges, implants, or other dental work that can make traditional flossing more challenging.

Which One Is Right for You?

The best interdental cleaning tool is the one you'll actually use every day.

Some people love the feel and precision of traditional string floss. Others prefer the ease and convenience of a water flosser, especially if they have orthodontic appliances or dental restorations. Either way, the ADA’s guidance is the same: clean between your teeth once a day to help remove plaque and support healthy teeth and gums.

Build the ritual you’ll actually stick with. You (and your hygienist!) will definitely notice the difference!

Building a More Complete Routine

Want to do it all? Although research continues to evolve on the ideal order, many dental professionals recommend the following sequence:

1. String floss to mechanically remove plaque and loosen trapped debris.

2. Water floss to help flush away loosened bacteria and food particles while cleaning along the gumline.

3. Brush with an anticavity toothpaste to remove remaining plaque while delivering ingredients that help strengthen and protect enamel.

The quip Promise

At quip, every product is designed to help build rituals you will actually do, and love.

Daily interdental cleaning helps remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Whether you reach for our string floss, water flosser, or both, each product is designed to make your daily routine a simple, joyful ritual paired with brushing twice a day, supporting healthier teeth and gums for life.

Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/flossing