Here's Why Daily Flossing Is So Important for Your Oral Health

Flossing may be the last thing you want to do when your routine is already at maximum capacity. But skipping out on flossing means skipping out on optimum oral health, which can have huge implications for your overall health. Here’s a closer look.

When you have to rush out the door in the morning or you’re haggard at the end of a long day, you may just think you don’t have time for flossing your teeth. But flossing is one aspect of your routine you should never skip.

All too often, our patients at Doc Bram arrive with oral health problems that they could have avoided with a little more diligence and care. We know you’ve heard it before, but Dr. Keith Bram and our team are using this month’s blog to make it clear just how important it is to make daily flossing a priority.

1. Flossing makes your teeth look good

Teeth stay whiter for longer if you keep them clean. And the best way to keep them clean is to brush away surface stains and floss to remove stain-causing debris and buildup between teeth.

2. Flossing banishes plaque

Plaque has a bad rep around our office — and for good reason. This sticky film accumulates around and between your teeth and gum line, wreaking havoc on your oral health.

It develops when bacteria in your mouth mix with starchy or sugary foods and drinks. The bacteria release acid that breaks down carbohydrates, and the bacteria, acid, and carbohydrates combine to form a film of plaque.

Plaque buildup attacks your enamel and can lead to decay or hardens and turns into tartar, increasing your risk for gum disease.

Regular flossing removes the food particles that contribute to plaque and the avalanche of problems that it can cause.

3. Flossing keeps your breath fresh

Do your co-workers keep their distance from you? It might not just be the tuna sandwich you ate. When you have leftover food and bacteria trapped between your teeth, it can fester and cause a stench. Tooth decay and gum disease develop when you don’t floss daily, causing bad breath.

4. Flossing reduces your risk for oral health problems

Cavities, tooth decay, gum recession, and gum disease — these oral health problems are all in the cards if you allow debris, bacteria, and other harmful buildup to stick around between your teeth and along your gums.

Treating oral health problems can be expensive and time-consuming — much more than spending a few extra minutes in the bathroom each day with a roll of dental floss.

5. Flossing may reduce your risk for heart disease

You read that correctly: Flossing may reduce your risk for heart disease. The American Heart Association says there’s a link between your oral health and your heart health. People with a higher standard of oral hygiene may be at a decreased risk for certain heart problems.

Reintroducing oral hygiene

We know that you know what flossing is, but it’s still a good idea to get a refresher course every once in a while.

The rule of thumb is to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. You can choose which time of day works best for you to floss, but we recommend flossing first to loosen up food particles so your brush can sweep them away.

You also have a few options for choosing a type of floss. You may select floss that’s:

Waxed and easy to get into tight spaces
Broad and flat to clean gapped teeth
Super Floss for braces, bridges, and wide gaps
Water flossers
Air flossers
Interdental brushes

Talk to us about your preferences, and we can help you decide which type of floss best fits your needs.

It’s not too late to start flossing again. We recommend starting fresh with a checkup and professional cleaning. At your appointment, we can answer other questions about flossing and oral hygiene best practices.

Call or click to schedule an appointment at Doc Bram in Lisle, Illinois, to get started today.