From a very young age, we are all taught the importance of proper oral care—specifically, brushing and flossing. As we get older, we learn about other things: mouthwash, tongue cleaning, braces, fillings, regular dentist visits, and so on. But the foundations of good dental hygiene—brushing and flossing—never change.
Why is it, then, that so many of us forget the second part of that two-part equation? Why do we brush religiously, yet floss far less? One 2016 study showed that only about 30% of people floss their teeth every day, while about 32% of people said they never floss!
It’s time to make flossing a daily priority again. Here’s why.
Promote gum health
Flossing is crucial for maintaining healthy gums and avoiding gum disease. Since flossing is much more effective at cleaning the small spaces between teeth than brushing alone, it is going to remove food particles and other buildup that lead to plaque, which leads to problems with gum health.
If you have receding gums, or if your gums bleed when you do floss them, it’s probably an indication that you need to floss more (and talk to your dentist).
Prevent bad breath
The smallest particles between your teeth can create bad-smelling bacteria, which gives you bad-smelling breath. Removing those particles daily is your best chance for a fresh mouth.
Prevent cavities
The buildup between your teeth creates a breeding ground for cavities. Remove it every day and protect your teeth from decay.
Brighten your smile.
To put it simply: dirty teeth are not going to shine their brightest. Buildup between teeth can lead to discoloration, which probably isn’t the look you’re going for with your smile!
Prevent heart disease.
This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually true. Bacteria in your mouth can eventually enter your bloodstream and start to affect your heart health. That’s why people with gum disease have 2-3 times the risk of having a heart attack.
When you skip your daily flossing, you invite a host of other oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, plaque buildup, and more.
Talk to your dentist about the proper way to floss, and ask about tools or tricks that might make flossing easier for you. Any extra effort is worth it!
