Is It Really Important to Floss? Benefits You Didn’t Know

Young man flossing his teeth at home while smiling
Young man flossing his teeth at home

For decades, dentists have urged patients to “brush and floss daily.” While brushing gets plenty of attention, flossing often feels like the less glamorous—and more skippable—part of oral hygiene. Some people floss only before dental appointments (you know who you are), while others never pick up the thread at all. But is flossing truly that important? The short answer: yes—though perhaps for reasons you haven’t considered.

What Flossing Actually Does (and What It Doesn’t)

At its most basic, flossing removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria from between teeth and under the gumline—areas a toothbrush can’t effectively reach. While brushing cleans the outer surfaces, flossing targets those tight spaces where decay and gum disease often start.

What flossing is not:
It’s not a replacement for brushing, and it’s not magic. If you floss irregularly, it won’t “undo” weeks of plaque buildup. Like brushing, flossing’s power comes from consistency.

Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough

Even the best toothbrush—manual or electric—only cleans about 60% of tooth surfaces. The remaining 40% is between the teeth or just under the gumline. That’s where plaque bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, producing acids that erode enamel and toxins that irritate gums.

Plaque between teeth can harden into tartar in as little as 24–48 hours. Once tartar forms, you can’t remove it yourself—it requires professional cleaning. Regular flossing interrupts this cycle before it gets to that stage.

The Gum Health Connection

Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) often starts silently in the spaces between teeth. Redness, swelling, and bleeding when flossing are early signs—but bleeding gums are not a reason to stop flossing. In fact, gentle but consistent flossing can reduce inflammation and stop bleeding within about a week.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis—a more severe form of gum disease that damages the bone supporting your teeth. Periodontal disease is a major cause of adult tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

The Surprising Whole-Body Benefits

Flossing’s influence extends beyond your mouth:

  • Heart health: Chronic gum inflammation may contribute to arterial plaque buildup, increasing cardiovascular risks.
  • Diabetes control: Periodontal disease can worsen blood sugar control, and treating gum disease may help improve it.
  • Pregnancy outcomes: Gum infections have been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Respiratory health: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially contributing to pneumonia.

These connections aren’t just dental folklore—they’re supported by growing research on the oral-systemic link.

Flossing Myths That Need Busting

  1. “I don’t get food stuck, so I don’t need to floss.”
    Food impaction is not the main reason to floss. Plaque and bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.
  2. “Flossing causes gaps between teeth.”
    If flossing is done gently, it won’t move your teeth apart. In fact, it can help prevent the bone and gum loss that causes real gaps.
  3. “Water flossers make string floss unnecessary.”
    Water flossers are excellent tools—especially for braces or implants—but research shows they may not always remove as much plaque as string floss. Many dentists recommend using both.
  4. “Flossing once before the dentist is enough.”
    Your hygienist will know. Plaque and tartar tell the truth.

The Right Way to Floss

Flossing improperly can irritate gums or be ineffective. Here’s the technique most dentists recommend:

  1. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most around your middle fingers.
  2. Pinch a 1–2 inch section between your thumbs and forefingers.
  3. Gently slide the floss between teeth—never snap it.
  4. Curve it into a C-shape around one tooth and move it up and down against the tooth surface and just under the gumline.
  5. Repeat on the adjacent tooth before moving to the next gap.

Floss Alternatives for Different Needs

Some people struggle with traditional floss because of dexterity issues, tight contacts, or dental work. Alternatives include:

  • Floss picks: Convenient, but use a fresh pick for every few teeth to avoid spreading bacteria.
  • Soft picks: Small, flexible brushes that clean between teeth and massage gums.
  • Water flossers: Great for gum health and cleaning around orthodontics or implants.
  • Interdental brushes: Especially effective for larger gaps or gum recession.

The best flossing method is the one you’ll actually do daily.

How Often Should You Floss?

Once a day is enough for most people—whether morning or night doesn’t matter as much as consistency. Flossing before brushing can be beneficial; research suggests it may allow fluoride from toothpaste to reach between teeth more effectively.

Signs You’re Not Flossing Enough

  • Gums bleed when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Yellow or brown buildup between teeth
  • Sensitivity between teeth
  • Small food particles frequently get stuck after meals

These are your mouth’s way of saying, “Please floss me.”

Flossing and Aging

As we age, gums naturally recede slightly, exposing more tooth surface to plaque. Older adults are also at higher risk for root cavities, which can develop quickly and painfully. Daily flossing helps protect these vulnerable areas and preserve your smile longer.

The Bottom Line

Flossing isn’t optional—it’s a key part of maintaining not just a healthy mouth, but a healthier body. It takes less than two minutes, costs pennies a day, and can save thousands in dental bills and untold discomfort in the future.

If it’s been a while since you flossed, expect your gums to be tender or bleed for a few days. That’s not a sign to stop—it’s a sign your gums are healing. Give it a week, and you’ll likely notice the bleeding stop, your breath improve, and your teeth feel cleaner.

So yes, flossing really is that important—and the best time to start (or restart) the habit is today.

Keep Your Smile Healthy with Regular Checkups at Dental Partners of Boston

While flossing daily is essential for oral health, professional dental care is just as important. Even with the best home routine, plaque can harden into tartar, and early signs of gum disease or cavities can be easy to miss without a trained eye.

At Dental Partners of Boston (dpb), you’ll receive comprehensive care from an experienced team dedicated to keeping your smile healthy and bright. With three convenient locations in downtown BostonPrudential Center, Charles River, and Fort Point in Seaport—it’s easy to fit your checkup into your schedule.

Whether it’s been six months or several years since your last visit, dpb offers thorough exams, professional cleanings, and personalized advice to help you maintain optimal oral health. Combine your daily flossing habit with regular dental visits, and you’ll be giving your teeth and gums the best protection possible.

female dental patient smiling while dentist points at her teeth

Don’t wait until there’s a problem—schedule your dental checkup today and keep your smile healthy for years to come!

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