Brushing Only Cleans 60% of Your Teeth. Here's How to Clean the Other 40%.

You brush twice a day, so your teeth are clean, right? Not quite. Here's what your toothbrush misses, and the simple daily habit that reaches it.

October 2026 · 4 min read

Brushing is the foundation of a healthy smile, but it can only do so much. Your toothbrush cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. It can't reach between your teeth or under the gum line, and those are exactly the spots where bacteria love to hide.

Watch our quick video, then read on to learn how to clean the rest.

What Your Toothbrush Misses

Each tooth has five surfaces. Your brush does a good job on the front, the back, and the chewing surface. But the two sides where your teeth touch each other are tucked away where bristles can't fit. The same goes for the small pocket where your gums meet your teeth.

When those areas don't get cleaned, food and plaque build up. Over time that can lead to cavities between the teeth, bad breath, and gum disease.

That's Where Flossing Comes In

Flossing reaches the places your toothbrush can't. It:

• Removes food stuck between your teeth before it can feed bacteria.
• Cleans just under the gum line, where plaque collects and irritates your gums.
• Keeps your gums healthy, helping prevent bleeding, swelling, and gum disease.
• Breaks up the bacteria colonies that build up on your teeth.

That last point is the real goal. The bacteria in plaque form an organized, sticky community. Every time you brush and floss, you disturb that community and break it apart before it can do damage.

If you skip the spaces between your teeth, the bacteria there are left alone to grow.

Can't Floss? Try a Water Flosser

Some people have a hard time with string floss, especially those with arthritis, limited hand strength, or other dexterity issues. If flossing just isn't possible for you, a water flosser (sometimes called a water pick) is your next best option.

A water flosser uses a stream of pressurized water that you aim between your teeth and along the gum line. It flushes out food and breaks up bacteria, and many people find it easier and more comfortable to use.

It's also a great tool if you have braces, bridges, or implants.

How Often Should You Floss?

At least once a day. Pick a time that fits your routine, like before bed, so it becomes a habit you don't have to think about.

Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

If you use a fluoride toothpaste, flossing before you brush gives you a small advantage. Flossing first clears out everything between your teeth, which lets the fluoride from your toothpaste flow into those spaces and protect them too.

But here's the truth: whether you floss before or after brushing matters far less than whether you floss at all.

The best routine is the one you'll actually stick with every day.

Quick Tips for Better Flossing

• Use about 18 inches of floss so you can use a clean section for each tooth.
• Gently slide the floss between your teeth. Don't snap it into your gums.
• Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and slide it just under the gum line.
• Don't forget the back side of your last molars.
• A little bleeding when you first start is common. It usually stops within a week or two as your gums get healthier. If it doesn't, let us know.

Need Help With Your Flossing Routine?

At your next visit to Silver State Smiles, our team can show you the best flossing technique for your teeth, help you decide whether a water flosser is right for you, and check for any trouble spots between your teeth.

Schedule your appointment today.

This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for a dental exam. Talk with your dentist or hygienist about your own oral health.