- Regular flossing helps reduce the risk of gum disease, which in turn can reduce systemic inflammation.
- Poor oral hygiene is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, poor gut health and other chronic diseases.
- Try to floss at least once a day – ideally before bed – and remember to keep the rest of your mouth clean too.
Let’s face it: contrary to dentists’ recommendations, many people don’t floss every day. But if you are one of them, you might change your tune after learning about the surprising benefits. We spoke to leading dentists and it turns out that maintaining good oral health isn’t just about sparkling white teeth and fresh breath – it can benefit your entire body.
“The state of your oral health has a big impact on your overall health,” he says Jenna Chimon, DDS “If your oral health is in poor condition and problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and infections occur, it can lead to systemic problems.”
Here are four ways flossing and maintaining good oral health can benefit your entire body.
1. Less inflammation
“Flossing regularly can control the amount of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of gum disease,” says Chimon. Flossing removes bacteria and debris from between teeth – areas that a toothbrush may not always reach – helping to reduce gum inflammation. Poor oral health, including gum disease, is associated with increased inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease, says Chimon.,,
“When you reduce irritation and bacteria in the mouth, you also reduce inflammation throughout the body,” he adds Casey Lau, DDS
2. Better heart health
By flossing regularly, you reduce your risk of gum disease and heart disease. “Gum disease can spread harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, which can contribute to the formation of arterial plaque and general inflammation,” says Chimon. She adds that these processes are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. In fact, a 2024 study identified poor oral health — particularly tooth loss due to gum disease — as a risk factor for death from heart disease. Another study found that men and women with gum disease had a 22% and 11% higher risk of developing heart disease, respectively.
3. More stable blood sugar
There is a reciprocal link between gum disease and type 2 diabetes, meaning each condition increases the risk of the other. In fact, gum disease is considered the sixth complication of diabetes.
Inflammation due to gum disease can lead to chronic systemic inflammation, which can increase blood sugar levels and worsen insulin resistance. Research also shows that people with diabetes who floss regularly have better blood sugar control and a 39% lower risk of gum disease than those who don’t floss.
4. Possible improvements in gut health
Without a healthy oral environment, food may not be broken down as effectively, which can subtly impact gut health and digestion, says Chimon. However, the bigger concern is the buildup of harmful bacteria due to poor oral hygiene. Since your digestive system starts in your mouth, everything is connected. Overgrowth of these bacteria can increase inflammation, disrupt gut balance, and potentially worsen symptoms of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, she adds.
How often should you floss?
Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day – ideally before bed – to remove bacteria and plaque. You also have many options when it comes to the type of floss you use. “Regular nylon floss is a good choice because it is safe and affordable, although some people with limited dexterity may want to use floss picks, which are much easier to use,” says Chimon.
For the correct flossing technique Alice Hoang, DMDsuggests using the floss to create a C shape around the tooth to conform to the curves of each tooth. “This is critical to reach any remaining bacteria that brushing won’t destroy,” she says. Chimon adds that it’s also important to place the floss on each side of the tooth and gently glide it up and down just below the gum line.
If you are still unsure, ask your dental hygienist or dentist to show you how to floss properly.
Other ways to support oral health
- Clean the rest of your mouth. Remember to clean the sides and roof of your mouth, as well as your tongue. This removes bacteria from your mouth, resulting in better oral health and fresher breath.
- Consider using an oral irrigator. “A water pick is a good complement to flossing to loosen and remove debris, especially if a person has a lot of dental work in their mouth,” says Chimon.
- Talk to your dentist if your teeth are misaligned. “This can negatively impact the health of your teeth and gums,” says Chimon. “Talk to your dentist about it and find out if there is anything you can do to improve the longevity and health of your teeth.”
- Stay hydrated. “Proper hydration is key to maintaining good oral health,” says Hoang. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production drops and can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Drinking water after meals also helps wash away food particles and prevents stains from forming on your teeth, she adds.
- Consider chewing sugar-free gum after meals. This can stimulate saliva production. “Our saliva is a natural buffer against bacteria that cause tooth decay,” says Hoang. “Saliva helps lubricate the mouth and flush out residual particles.”
Our expert opinion
Daily flossing isn’t just about keeping teeth sparkling and breath fresh – it’s also about maintaining health. By removing food particles and plaque and reducing gum inflammation, flossing can reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce systemic inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Of course, flossing can sometimes feel like a chore – but it’s a small step that can make a big difference to your health.
