Why Flossing Is Just As Important As Brushing

Let’s be honest—flossing doesn’t exactly top most people’s list of favorite things to do. But if you think brushing alone is enough to keep your teeth healthy, think again. Flossing is just as essential as brushing, and skipping it can leave nearly 40% of your tooth surfaces uncleaned. That’s a lot of space for plaque, bacteria, and cavities to thrive! Here’s why flossing matters—and why your future self (and your smile) will thank you for making it a daily habit. 🦠 1. Flossing Removes What Brushing Can’t Your toothbrush is great at cleaning the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth—but it can’t reach between them. That’s where floss comes in. Flossing helps remove: Plaque and food particles between teeth Bacteria hiding under the gumline Gunk that leads to bad breath 🧼 Think of it as the “deep clean” brushing can’t provide. 😬 2. It Helps Prevent Gum Disease Neglecting to floss allows plaque to harden into tartar, especially along the gumline. This buildup can irritate your gums, causing: Redness and swelling Bleeding when you brush Early-stage gingivitis If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis—a serious gum infection that can result in tooth loss. 🦷 3. It Protects the Spaces Between Teeth from Cavities Cavities don’t just form on the surface of your teeth—they can sneak in between them too. These interproximal cavities are common in people who skip flossing regularly. ✅ Daily flossing + brushing + fluoride toothpaste = cavity-fighting dream team. 😮 4. It Freshens Your Breath Bad breath isn’t always about garlic or onions. Sometimes it’s the bacteria between your teeth that’s to blame. Flossing helps remove the decaying food particles that cause odors—leaving your mouth fresher and cleaner. 🪥 5. It Makes Your Next Dental Visit Easier If you’ve ever had your hygienist spend extra time scraping between your teeth, you already know: flossing helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which means faster, more comfortable cleanings during your checkups. Flossing Tips to Make It Easier Choose what works for you: Traditional floss, floss picks, or water flossers are all good options. Be gentle: Don’t snap the floss; curve it around the tooth and slide it gently under the gumline. Make it a habit: Floss once a day—before bed is best. Final Word: Floss Like a Boss Flossing may seem small, but it plays a huge role in your oral health. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it can save you time, discomfort, and money down the road. So if you’ve been skipping it—no judgment. But now’s a great time to start making it a part of your daily routine. Your smile deserves it.