Maintaining good oral hygiene is about more than just brushing twice a day. While most people are diligent about brushing, many tend to neglect another equally important habit—flossing. At Legacy Care, we believe that understanding the difference between brushing and flossing, and why both are essential, can drastically improve your oral health and help you avoid costly dental issues down the line.
In this blog, our experienced dentists in Business Bay and Al Warqa 1, Dubai, explain the importance of brushing and flossing, how they work together, and why skipping one can put your smile at risk.
Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough
Brushing your teeth twice a day is critical for removing plaque and bacteria from the outer surfaces of your teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste work together to scrub away food particles, polish tooth enamel, and freshen your breath.
But here’s the catch—your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth or under the gumline, where food and bacteria often hide. These tight spaces are breeding grounds for plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath if not properly cleaned.
Bottom line: Brushing covers about 60% of your mouth. The remaining 40%? That’s where flossing comes in.
Brushing: The Basics and Best Practices
Brushing is your first defense against plaque buildup and tooth decay.
How to brush effectively:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush for two full minutes, twice a day.
- Use gentle, circular motions to clean each tooth.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue, which harbors bacteria.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
At Legacy Care, we recommend electric toothbrushes for a more thorough and consistent clean—especially for patients with braces or limited mobility.
Flossing: The Often-Ignored Hero
Flossing removes plaque and debris that accumulate between the teeth and along the gumline—areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
Benefits of daily flossing:
- Prevents gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Reduces risk of cavities between teeth
- Minimizes bad breath
- Promotes healthier gums
Types of flossing tools:
- Traditional string floss
- Floss picks
- Water flossers (great for patients with braces or implants)
Tip from our team: If your gums bleed when you floss, it’s likely due to inflammation from plaque. Keep flossing daily—bleeding should reduce as your gums heal.
Brushing vs. Flossing: Which is More Important?
This is a common question at Legacy Care. Our answer?
👉 Both are essential and serve different purposes.
- Brushing cleans the visible surfaces of the teeth.
- Flossing cleans the spaces between teeth and under the gumline.
Neglecting one is like washing only your hands but never under your fingernails—problems will build up where you’re not cleaning.
What Happens If You Skip Flossing?
Skipping flossing can lead to:
- Cavities between the teeth
- Gum inflammation or bleeding
- Tartar buildup (which can only be removed professionally)
- Advanced gum disease, leading to tooth loss
At Legacy Care, we’ve seen patients who brush regularly but still suffer from gum issues simply because they don’t floss.
How Legacy Care Supports Your Oral Hygiene
Whether you’re dealing with plaque buildup, bleeding gums, or want to improve your hygiene routine, we’re here to help.
At our Business Bay and Al Warqa 1 clinics, we offer:
- Digital oral hygiene assessments
- Advanced scaling and polishing
- Water flossing solutions
- One-on-one hygiene education
Our dentists also provide brushing and flossing demos tailored to your oral needs.
Final Thoughts: Make Brushing AND Flossing Non-NegotiableOral hygiene is a daily commitment that leads to long-term health and confidence. By combining brushing, flossing, and routine checkups, you can:
- Prevent serious dental issues
- Save on future treatments
- Keep your breath fresh
- Enjoy a brighter, healthier smile
Your smile deserves both brushing and flossing. Don’t skip either.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Let Legacy Care help you protect your oral health with personalized dental care.
📍 Visit us at Business Bay or Al Warqa 1, Dubai
📞 Call: +971 527073394
📅 Book Online: https://www.legacycare.ae/book-appointment/