Brushing might take the stage in your oral health routine, but flossing is just as vital to do, too. In general, you should floss once a day alongside your brushing.

It’s not always necessary to use traditional floss, either. There are tons of excellent floss threader products that are easier to handle and maneuver in those tough-to-reach areas of your mouth.

But why is flossing so vital to your oral habits? Continue reading to get a refresher on the benefits of regular flossing.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Prevention

First and perhaps most obviously — flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

See, you can thoroughly brush 2-3 times a day, use mouthwash, and avoid foods that are bad for your teeth… but food particles will still get stuck in those hard-to-reach crevices in between teeth.

Despite your best efforts, bacteria and plaque can grow in these areas and contribute to tooth decay or the development of gum disease.

Proper flossing cleans these areas out to ensure you don’t miss a spot.

Appearance

It’s true that when you smile, people see the front face of your teeth the most. However, failing to floss the crevices in between your teeth can facilitate that bacteria growth that leads to your teeth yellowing or browning, your gums swelling or becoming sensitive, and so on.

Flossing gets that gunk out of there, ensuring your teeth stay bright white and shiny.

Breath

Have you ever brushed vigilantly, but still dealt with bad breath? Barring any sort of major dental issue or surgery recovery, it may be because tiny bits of food are trapped in between your teeth.

A little bit of floss once a day can fix that. You can use unflavored floss if you prefer, but getting a flavor like mint or cinnamon can add a touch of freshness to your breath.

Other Health Risks

Studies have shown your oral health is intimately linked with other parts of the body in several ways. One of the most prominent is the association between gum disease and heart disease.

According to experts, gum disease could make it easier for bad bacteria to get into your bloodstream. This could eventually travel through your blood vessels and negatively impact your heart.

So when you’re flossing, you’re not just keeping your mouth healthy. You’re keeping your whole body healthy.

On top of your brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits, you should visit a dentist every six months. They’ll handle any hard-to-reach areas, catch and address potential issues before they become big problems, and offer you advice on improving your brushing and flossing habits.

If your six months between dental visits is almost up, the dental professionals at Absolute Smile would be happy to see you. Contact us today — all new patients get a free consultation.