When it comes to oral health, brushing gets all the attention. But, according to your dentist in Lombard, IL, flossing is the true hero behind a healthy smile. Many people skip this step, thinking brushing alone is enough. However, daily flossing does so much more than just remove food between your teeth. It protects your gums, keeps your breath fresh, and even supports your overall health.
Daily flossing and brushing are no replacement for professional cleanings at Dental Care of Lombard. These appointments help remove disease-causing plaque that brushing and flossing simply can’t handle. So, don’t wait – call (630) 629-5700 to request a visit with Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IL, today!
In this blog, Dr. Glud explores the top 10 reasons why daily flossing is essential for your teeth, gums, and whole-body wellness. Let’s dive in!
1. Remove Plaque Where Brushes Can’t Reach
It’s not very easy for your toothbrush bristles to reach between teeth. Luckily, that’s where flossing comes in. It removes plaque and food particles stuck in tight spaces that your brush can’t get to.
If you skip flossing, plaque builds up and can lead to cavities and gum disease. By taking just a few minutes each day, you can protect those hard-to-reach areas and maintain a cleaner, healthier mouth overall.
2. Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease often starts stealthily with no pain or obvious symptoms. But this disease affects around 50% of adults aged 30 and older.
A bacterial infection is responsible for gum disease. Fortunately, flossing removes these bacteria before they cause trouble.
Remember: Keeping your gums clean is just as important as keeping your teeth bright. Consistent flossing can prevent bleeding gums, swelling, and even advanced gum disease called periodontitis.
3. Freshen Your Breath
If you’ve ever wondered why your breath smells bad even after brushing, trapped food particles between teeth might be the reason. When food stays between your teeth, it decomposes and creates odor-causing bacteria.
Flossing every day removes these hidden particles and helps your mouth stay fresh. You’ll not only improve your oral hygiene but also feel more confident when talking or smiling up close.
4. Protect Against Cavities
Cavities often form between teeth where your toothbrush struggles to reach. Flossing clears away plaque and bacteria that would otherwise erode enamel.
When plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes much harder to remove and can lead to decay. By flossing daily, you reduce your risk of cavities and save yourself from fillings, crowns, and costly dental treatments later on.
5. Keep Your Smile Brighter
Even if you brush twice a day, stains and buildup can dull your smile over time. Flossing helps keep teeth cleaner and more polished by removing film and debris between them.
A cleaner surface reflects light better, making your smile appear brighter and healthier. Combine flossing with regular dental visits with Dr. Glud, and you’ll enjoy a naturally radiant smile all year long!
6. Support Overall Health
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and oral bacteria can affect more than just your teeth. Studies show that gum disease contributes to heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory problems.
By flossing daily, you lower your risk of harmful bacteria entering your bloodstream. Keeping your mouth healthy supports your immune system and contributes to your total well-being.
7. Save Money
Preventive care is much cheaper than restorative treatments. Cavities, gum disease, and infections can lead to costly dental bills.
However, flossing is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to prevent these problems. With a few cents’ worth of dental floss each day, you can protect your smile and your wallet. Over time, this adds up to huge savings in dental costs.
8. Improve the Effectiveness of Brushing
When you floss before brushing, you loosen debris and make brushing more effective. The fluoride in your toothpaste can then reach between teeth and strengthen enamel. Think of flossing as priming your teeth for a better clean. This simple routine helps ensure every surface of your mouth gets the attention it deserves.
9. Prevent Tooth Loss
Gum disease is a chief cause of tooth loss among adults. When plaque and bacteria destroy gum tissue and bone, teeth can loosen and eventually fall out.
Flossing keeps your gums healthy, providing the support your teeth need to stay in place. The earlier you make flossing part of your routine, the better chance you have of keeping your natural teeth for life.
10. Build a Healthy Habit That Lasts
Daily flossing doesn’t just protect your teeth – it builds discipline. Once you make it part of your nighttime or morning routine, it becomes second nature.
Start by keeping floss where you’ll see it, like next to your toothbrush. Over time, your mouth will feel cleaner, and you’ll actually look forward to that fresh, just-flossed feeling. Building the habit now sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.
How Often Should You Floss?
The American Dental Association says that once daily flossing is enough to keep disease at bay. The best time is before bed, when you can remove all the food and plaque from the day. But if you prefer morning flossing, that’s fine, too. The important thing is to stay consistent. The benefits come from the habit itself, not the time of day.
Tips for Making Flossing Easier
If traditional floss feels tricky, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with technique or consistency. Try using floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers to make the job easier. The key is finding a flossing method that works for you and sticking with it. Your dental hygienist can show you proper techniques and recommend the best tools for your needs.
A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
It’s easy to underestimate the power of daily flossing, but its impact is huge. Cleaner teeth, healthier gums, fresher breath, and fewer emergency dental visits, all from a simple piece of string! Your future self will thank you for investing those few extra minutes each day.
Get a Cleaner, Brighter Smile with Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IL
Daily flossing is one of the most powerful tools you have for protecting your oral and overall health. But nothing beats yearly professional cleanings at Dental Care of Lombard! Click here to start planning your next dental visit, or call our office in Lombard, IL, at (630) 629-5700 for a cleaner, brighter smile for years to come.
