Food lodging between teeth regularly can signal widened gaps, decay or a gap around a restoration. Removing it habitually with the tongue or suction puts pressure on the gums and leaves residue behind anyway.

Floss is effective at removing plaque from the contact surfaces between teeth. Rather than sawing it back and forth, ease off the pressure as it passes the contact point, then sweep up and down along the side of each tooth.

Where gaps have already widened, an interdental brush works better. They come in several sizes; forcing in one that is too large risks damaging the gum, so choose one that enters without resistance.

Rinsing with water is a supplement. It helps dilute residual sugars and acids, but plaque still has to be removed mechanically. Brushing hard immediately after acidic food, meanwhile, puts extra strain on enamel.

Persistent bad breath or bleeding gums may not be a matter of technique. Periodontal disease is nearly painless in its early stages, which makes regular check-ups the only practical way to catch it.

Hwagyo Sibo sets out general principles. What suits an individual's teeth should be determined through dental examination.