Flossing does 40% of the job when it comes to removing harmful bacteria or plaque from your teeth. Plaque builds up and generates acid which eventually causes cavities, irritates gums and results in gum diseases.

“Each of your teeth has five different surfaces you should clean. If you do not floss your teeth properly, two of these surfaces remain untouched,” explains the dentist Wheeler. “Floss is the only thing you can use to reach that tight space between your teeth and successfully remove bacteria.”

However, many of the non-flossers cannot understand why this step is so important for the oral health. Unlike toothbrush, which reaches only the other surfaces of your teeth and gums, floss acts more like an interdental cleaner -- its design allows cleaning the spaces between your teeth and the gaps at the base of the teeth.

Your toothbrush cannot reach these areas. Yes, antimicrobial mouthwash kills bacteria and prevents plaque, but but it cannot remove that stubborn tartar and food remains from these places.

Floss, on the other hand, easily gets between your teeth and gums, and removes anything that is left from your lunch, and the plaque as well.

Take your oral hygiene to a higher level and prevent serious and expensive oral health problems, such as halitosis (bad breath), cavities, gingivitis, and gum diseases.

Each of these is caused by the bacteria that thrives between your teeth. And yes, we already said, your tootbrush cannot do much in those places.

You have to remember, always use a dental floss before brushing your teeth.

Moreover, if you use your dental floss properly, you could easily remove any food remains and plaque from the places your toothbrush cannot reach -- the spots between your teeth and the gum line. Use your dental floss every day, because plaque buildups eventually cause cavities and gum diseases.

How to use dental floss properly?

Start with the upper jaw. Tear about 20 centimeters off the floss, and wrap most of it around your middle finger. Use the remaining 4-5 centimeters of the floss to clean your teeth.

Grab the floss using your thumb and pointing finger, and gently place it between your teeth.