What Can Flossing Do for Me?

Flossing may not feel instantly rewarding, but it plays a crucial role in oral and overall health.

Why flossing matters

• Flossing removes about 40% of the plaque that a toothbrush alone can’t reach, especially between teeth and along the gumline.
• Plaque produces acid that can lead to:
  • Dental caries (cavities)
  • Gum irritation
  • Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Without flossing, large areas of tooth surface remain unclean, allowing bacteria to thrive.

Benefits of regular flossing

• Helps prevent plaque buildup, which can harden into tartar (calculus) that only a dentist or hygienist can remove.
• Can make teeth look brighter by removing plaque and trapped food particles.
• Cleans areas a toothbrush cannot reach, similar to how a vacuum lifts hidden dust from a carpet, making it look and feel cleaner.
• Supports overall health, as good oral hygiene is linked to better systemic health.

Possible link to heart disease

• Research suggests a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Mouth infections may:
  • Raise levels of inflammatory compounds in the blood
  • Promote blood clots and reduce blood flow to the heart
  • Allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect the cardiovascular system
• More studies are needed, but keeping gums healthy is considered beneficial for heart health.

Flossing and disease prevention

• Regular flossing helps:
  • Prevent tooth decay
  • Reduce the risk of periodontal (gum) disease by removing plaque
• It also gives you a chance to check your mouth for:
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Sores or other changes that might signal health problems

Why gums may bleed

• Common causes include:
  • Plaque buildup along the gumline and between teeth
  • Vitamin deficiencies
• If plaque is not removed daily, it hardens into calculus (tartar), which cannot be removed at home and requires professional scaling.

What to do if your gums bleed

• Your first step should be to see your dentist to check for underlying problems.
• Support gum health by:
  • Eating a balanced diet to build and maintain strong, decay-resistant teeth
  • Brushing at least twice a day
  • Flossing at least once or twice a day
  • Quitting smoking if you smoke, as it increases the risk of bleeding gums and gum disease

Consistent flossing, combined with proper brushing, diet, and regular dental visits, is essential for healthy teeth, gums, and potentially better overall health.