You brush your teeth twice a day, maybe even more. So do you really need to floss too?
The answer is simple: yes. Brushing cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The other 40%—the areas between your teeth and under the gumline—need a little extra help. That’s where flossing comes in.
At Dr. Loren Grossman’s dental office, we see every day how daily flossing can make a real difference. Whether you’re trying to prevent gum disease, avoid bad breath, or simply keep your smile looking its best, the benefits of flossing daily go far beyond what most people expect.
1. Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease often starts where the toothbrush can’t reach—between your teeth and under the gumline. Plaque left behind in these areas hardens into tartar, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, and eventually more serious problems like bone loss.
Flossing daily helps remove plaque before it becomes a problem, keeping your gums healthier in the long run.
2. Reduces Bad Breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by food particles and bacteria trapped between teeth. While brushing helps, it’s not enough on its own. Flossing gets into those tight spots, removing the debris that can cause lingering odors.
Daily flossing is one of the most effective ways to keep your breath fresh—especially when paired with regular dental cleanings.
3. Protects Your Overall Health
Oral health is closely connected to your overall health. Studies have shown links between gum disease and serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory infections.
By flossing daily, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re helping to lower your risk of chronic illness by reducing the inflammation caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth.
4. Helps Prevent Cavities
Cavities can develop between teeth, especially when food and bacteria are allowed to build up in those hard-to-reach areas. Daily flossing breaks up this buildup before it has a chance to damage your enamel.
Combined with fluoride toothpaste and regular checkups at our Kingston dental office, flossing is a key step in any strong cavity-prevention routine.
5. Saves Money on Future Treatments
Preventive care costs far less than corrective treatment. Flossing daily can help you avoid fillings, root canals, and even gum surgeries by keeping your mouth clean and your gums strong.
A few minutes of flossing a day could mean saving hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars down the line.
6. Keeps Dental Work in Better Shape
If you have crowns, bridges, implants, or orthodontic appliances, flossing is especially important. These restorations can trap food and bacteria, putting both your dental work and your natural teeth at risk.
Our team can help you choose the right tools—like floss threaders or water flossers—to make daily care easier around dental work.
7. Builds a Healthier Daily Habit
Like most healthy habits, consistency is key. Flossing daily helps build a sense of routine and encourages you to take a more proactive approach to your oral care.
And once it’s a part of your routine, you’ll start to notice how much better your mouth feels—cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable.
Make Flossing a Daily Priority
The benefits of flossing daily are clear—and at Dr. Loren Grossman’s office in Kingston, we’re here to help you make the most of every part of your oral health routine. Whether it’s showing your child how to floss properly or helping you find tools that make it easier, we’re committed to keeping your smile strong for years to come.Contact us today and ask our hygienists for personalized flossing tips that fit your lifestyle.
