Why Flossing Could Be the Most Important Health Habit You're Ignoring

Most people know that brushing and flossing keep your teeth and gums healthy. What you might not know is that good oral hygiene, especially flossing, may also protect your heart, lungs, and even your brain.

 

Researchers have spent years studying how the health of your mouth connects to the health of your whole body. Their findings suggest that flossing daily could reduce your risk of serious diseases and may even help you live longer.

 

Where Flossing Began

 

Modern flossing started in the early 19th century. In 1819, a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly recommended using a silk thread to clean between teeth. This method slowly gained popularity, and by the 1940s, nylon floss became the standard.

 

Although flossing is widely recommended by dentists today, studies show that only about 30 percent of Americans floss every day.

 

Why Flossing Is Important

 

Flossing removes food particles and plaque that build up between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. If not removed, this plaque can harden into tartar and cause inflammation and infection in the gums.

This condition is known as periodontal disease, and it begins with gingivitis—red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious infection that can damage gum tissue and bone.

 

The bacteria and inflammatory chemicals from periodontal disease do not stay in your mouth. They can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body.

 

“The mouth is the gateway to the body. Oral health is a window to your overall health.”
— Dr. Wayne Aldredge, past president of the American Academy of Periodontology

 

Oral Health and Heart Disease

 

Several studies have found a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. For example:

 

• A 2016 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that people with gum disease had a higher risk of developing heart disease.

• Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that regular dental care, including flossing, was linked to lower medical costs and fewer hospital visits for people with heart conditions.

 

The connection may be due to inflammation. Gum disease increases levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, which are also found in people with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

 

“Flossing may seem small, but it’s a giant step toward reducing systemic inflammation and lowering cardiovascular risk.”
— Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic

 

Flossing and Other Health Conditions

 

Beyond the heart, poor oral hygiene has been associated with other health issues:

 

• Respiratory problems: Inhaling bacteria from the mouth can lead to respiratory infections, including pneumonia, especially in older adults.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease may make it harder to control blood sugar levels.

• Cognitive decline: A 2019 study published in Science Advances found that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a common gum disease bacterium, was present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. While this does not prove causation, it suggests a possible link.

 

What Happens If You Don’t Floss

 

If you do not floss, plaque and bacteria will accumulate between your teeth. Over time, this can lead to:

 

• Gum inflammation and bleeding

• Tooth decay

• Bone loss in the jaw

• Tooth loss

 

More advanced stages of gum disease may require deep cleanings, surgery, or tooth replacement.

 

Mouth Health Is a Clue to Whole-Body Health

 

Dentists often notice signs of systemic disease in the mouth. For example:

 

• Uncontrolled diabetes can cause dry mouth and gum infections.

• Certain autoimmune disorders cause oral ulcers.

• Vitamin deficiencies may affect the appearance of the gums and tongue.

 

A healthy mouth often reflects good overall health, while frequent oral problems can indicate larger health concerns.

 

Fort Wayne and Oral Health

 

Locally, the Allen County Department of Health and clinics like Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic and Neighborhood Health in Fort Wayne offer affordable dental care. However, data from the Indiana State Department of Health shows that Indiana still struggles with poor dental health outcomes, especially among low-income adults.

 

Encouraging better flossing habits can be part of a broader effort to improve health across the region.

 

Peer-Reviewed Research on Flossing and Health

 

Here are some key studies and findings:

 

• Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2017): Found that daily flossing reduced gum inflammation and bleeding compared to brushing alone.

• BMJ Open (2020): A review of multiple studies concluded that periodontitis was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

• American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2006): Showed that preventive dental care, including flossing, was linked to improved health outcomes and lower medical costs in older adults.

 

These studies confirm that oral hygiene is not just cosmetic. It plays a role in systemic inflammation and chronic disease.

 

Top-Rated Floss and Toothpicks

 

If you are not sure where to start, here are some highly rated and clinically recommended products:

 

Dental Floss

 

• Cocofloss: Soft, textured, and infused with coconut oil. Designed to grab more plaque with less irritation. ADA Seal of Acceptance.

• Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus: Popular for its smooth glide and gentle performance. ADA approved.

• Listerine Ultraclean Dental Floss: Textured to remove more plaque. Has a minty taste and good grip.

Floss Alternatives and Picks

• GUM Soft-Picks Advanced: Small rubber bristles on a flexible pick. Good for people with braces or sensitive gums.

• TePe Interdental Brushes: Designed in Sweden, these come in various sizes and are widely recommended by dental hygienists for cleaning between teeth.

• Waterpik Water Flosser (e.g., Aquarius model): A powered option that uses pressurized water. Effective for cleaning around dental work and approved by the ADA.

 

Tips to Make Flossing a Habit

 

• Floss once a day, ideally before bed, after brushing.

• Use the right technique: Curve the floss around each tooth and move it gently under the gumline.

• Start small: If daily flossing feels overwhelming, start with three days per week and build up.

• Try different products until you find one you like. Comfort matters.

• Keep floss visible, such as next to your toothbrush, to build the habit.

 

Key Takeaway

 

Flossing is a simple, low-cost habit that can do more than protect your smile. It may reduce your risk of heart disease, respiratory infections, and other chronic illnesses. The evidence is growing that your mouth is more than just the place where digestion begins. It is a key part of your body’s health system.

 

“You don’t have to floss all your teeth—just the ones you want to keep.”
— Unknown (but very wise)

 

Stay healthy. Stay strong. And don’t forget to floss.