I think it is more important than brushing. Brushing, flossing and listerine is the key. When I do not floss, I can feel the stuff between my teeth and the soreness of my gums where there is debris.
One thing I have noticed is that the dental industry really wants you to buy consumables. Floss, toothpaste, new toothbrush/head every 3 months and mouthwash. My mom told me that she damaged her gums from over brushing when she was young, but she also smokes so idk about that. When she told me that, I realized: Dentists suggest a rigorous maintenance schedule with lots of expensive consumables, charge for cleanings that in theory you should not need if you follow their orders, and then possibly surgery for damage caused by maintenance.
I should have been a Dentist.