The bristles of a toothbrush do not reach between your teeth. The only way to clean between your teeth is with floss (or another instrument that reaches between the teeth). When the area between the teeth is not cleaned, a plaque will start to form. The plaque contains bacteria that will eat away at the teeth and get in the gums. This will eventually cause cavities between the teeth and/or inflammation of the gums. When the gums are inflamed, the bone around the teeth is also affected, and may begin to weaken. This process is one form of gum disease or periodontal disease.

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