5 Reasons Flossing Keeps Your Body Healthy

To floss or not to floss? That is the question. But what we ask you every dental check up is — do you floss? Whether you say yes or no, we always know the answer. It’s written on your teeth and gums.

More than half of Americans don’t floss regularly. Over 20% say they don’t do it at all. And that’s just the ones who admit it. But the truth is that flossing (along with regular brushing) is critical to dental health. Floss reaches areas of your teeth your toothbrush cannot, especially in your gums and between your teeth. Flossing can effectively prevent periodontal disease.

In fact, the benefits of flossing go beyond healthy teeth and gums. Flossing and maintaining great oral health is good for your body. It lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and life threatening infections. Here are 5 reasons flossing is great for your health.

Flossing Does Nearly Half the Work of Plaque Removal

As your dentist, we’d like to point out your teeth actually have 5 surfaces — the front, top, back, and on either side. It’s the sides of your teeth your toothbrush simply doesn’t reach. That means that 40% of the surface area of your teeth can only be reached by flossing. It’s easy to overlook, but it adds up to quite a lot. Flossing is critical to dental care. The more you floss, the fewer root canals you’ll need and the healthier your teeth will be.

Flossing Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease

Believe it or not, but flossing is great for your heart. Studies show that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease. And you guessed it — flossing dramatically lowers your risk for heart disease. Flossing removes bacteria from in between your gums, lowering risk of infections. Flossing is great for your gums, which means it’s good for your heart too.

Flossing Reduces Diabetes Risk

Another thing periodontal disease does is it leads to insulin resistance — increasing your risk of diabetes. If your body needs to produce more insulin to grab blood sugar from the bloodstream, it can develop type 2 diabetes. Flossing dramatically reduces plaque, gum disease, periodontitis and the accompanying inflammation. It’s also great for your liver — it improves muscle insulin sensitivity to reduce blood sugar levels, so you don’t need as much insulin. People who floss have a significantly lower chance of becoming diabetic.

Flossing Reduces Your Risk of Stroke

Studies have shown a link between strokes and oral bacteria. This oral bacteria can concentrate in blood clots that lead to strokes. So yes, flossing is not only great for dental care — it lowers your risk for strokes too.

You’ll Have a More Beautiful Smile

Want a perfect smile? Don’t forget to floss! By removing plaque and the bacteria that causes cavities, flossing helps keep your smile bright and beautiful. You’ll have a lower risk of gum disease and brighter healthier teeth.