You brush your teeth twice a day, great. But are you flossing? While it may seem like a small extra step, daily flossing plays a huge role in maintaining not only oral health but your overall wellbeing too.
Think of flossing as the silent hero of your dental routine. It reaches the spots your toothbrush can’t – cleaning the tight spaces between your teeth and along the gumline where food particles and bacteria love to hide.
What really happens when you don’t floss?
When plaque builds up between your teeth, it can harden into tartar and lead to gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis — a more serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss.
But it doesn’t stop there. Studies have linked gum disease to broader health concerns like:
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Heart disease
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Type 2 diabetes
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Respiratory issues
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Complications during pregnancy
So yes, skipping floss could be doing more harm than you think.
5 Reasons to Make Flossing a Daily Habit
1. Removes Hidden Plaque and Food
Even the best toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth. Flossing helps remove the bits that brushing misses — preventing decay in those hard-to-reach spots.
2. Keeps Your Gums Healthy
Flossing prevents bleeding gums, inflammation and infection by clearing out bacteria that collect at the gumline.
3. Helps Fight Bad Breath
Food particles stuck between teeth can cause unpleasant odours over time. Flossing helps keep your breath fresh by removing what you can’t see (or smell… yet).
4. Protects Your Whole-Body Health
By reducing the bacteria that cause gum disease, you’re also reducing your risk for inflammation-related conditions throughout the body.
5. Saves You Money at the Dentist
Preventative care is always more affordable than treatment. Regular flossing can help you avoid fillings, deep cleans, or gum treatments down the line.
How to Floss Like a Pro
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Use about 45cm of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers.
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Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a back-and-forth motion.
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Curve it around each tooth in a C-shape and slide it under the gumline.
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Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
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Floss once a day, ideally before brushing at night.
Bonus tip: If traditional floss feels tricky, try floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers — they’re easier to use and still effective.
Tiny habit, big impact
Like many aspects of wellness, the key is consistency. Flossing takes just a minute or two a day — but the long-term benefits are worth far more. It’s one of the simplest ways to care for your health, starting with your smile.
Note: This article is for general wellness awareness. Always consult with your dentist or oral hygienist for personalised dental care and check-up recommendations.