You’ve probably heard your dentist say, “Don’t forget to floss” a hundred times, and you may have listened a majority of the time. But what if flossing wasn’t just about keeping your smile bright? Would you step up your game? Research from institutions like the American Heart Association suggests that keeping your gums healthy could help lower inflammation and support overall wellness. Here’s how this small daily habit could have a massive impact on your oral health and beyond.
Your Mouth Is a Gateway
Your mouth is the entry point to the rest of your body. So, when bacteria build up around your teeth and gums, it doesn’t just stay put. Evidence suggests that it can travel through your bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of your body.
This is why flossing every day is good for more than simply preventing cavities. It helps stop gum disease before it starts, which in turn helps protect your heart, blood vessels, and even your metabolism.
Flossing and Heart Disease
Multiple studies have found a connection between gum disease and heart disease. The same bacteria that inflame your gums can do the same to the lining of your arteries, contributing to plaque buildup and narrowing blood vessels. Left untreated, this can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
In short, by removing food particles and bacteria before they can harden into tartar, daily flossing helps lower the inflammation that can trigger heart problems.
Flossing and Diabetes
Gum inflammation can also make it harder for your body to control blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease—and gum disease can, in turn, make diabetes worse. It’s a vicious cycle that can only be broken with better preventive care.
Flossing and Longevity
Experts at the Buck Institute and Phenome Health have found that healthy gums are linked to longer, healthier lives. This is thanks to their role in lowering inflammation throughout your body. It’s not just a coincidence—it’s biology!
Chronic inflammation is linked to many serious diseases, from heart issues to Alzheimer’s. When you floss every day, you’re not only protecting your teeth, you’re also lowering your body’s overall inflammatory load—keeping your immune system working its best.
While flossing might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it’s actually one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health. It only takes a few minutes a day, yet it can make a lifetime difference. The next time you reach for your toothbrush, grab your floss too. Your body will thank you for it.
About the Author
Dr. Jordan is an expert dentist providing comfortable and precise preventive dentistry to keep his patients healthy. He graduated from Pacific University in San Francisco with a focus on preserving natural tooth structure through minimally invasive techniques. He’s passionate about promoting total wellness and helping patients achieve healthier, happier smiles for life. Call (972) 306-2273 to schedule a checkup and cleaning at All Smiles Dental of Carrollton or visit our website to learn more.