Do Europeans not floss?

Do Europeans Actually Floss? The Answer Might Surprise You

When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is a near-universal habit—but what about flossing? Turns out, most Europeans aren’t making it part of their routine. According to a 2018 consumer study by SUNSTAR Europe, fewer than 30% of people across the continent regularly practice interdental cleaning, whether that’s with floss, interdental brushes, or other tools.

This number might seem low, especially compared to countries like the United States, where flossing is more deeply ingrained in dental advice. But the reality is, even with decades of recommendations from dentists, flossing remains a habit that many skip—not out of ignorance, but often due to time, discomfort, or simply not seeing immediate results.

“Flossing is one of those things people know they should do, but don’t,” says Dr. Elena Moretti, a dental hygienist based in Milan. “It’s invisible work. You don’t see plaque building up between teeth until something goes wrong—like a cavity or gum disease.”

And that’s the problem. Skipping interdental cleaning over time increases the risk of gum inflammation, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Dentists emphasize that brushing alone doesn’t reach the tight spaces where bacteria thrive. Yet, despite the evidence, cultural habits die hard.

Some experts suggest that better education and simpler tools—like easy-to-use interdental brushes or water flossers—could help bridge the gap. Others believe the key lies in changing how we talk about oral care, making it less about perfection and more about consistency.

So, do Europeans floss? Not enough of them do. But awareness is slowly growing. Whether that translates into lasting change remains to be seen. For now, dental professionals continue to remind us: what you don’t see can still hurt you.