When it comes to oral health, brushing your teeth twice a day often gets all the attention. But did you know that flossing plays an equally important role in keeping your mouth healthy?
At Cosentino Dental Care in Etobicoke, we regularly remind our patients that flossing isn’t just an optional extra — it’s essential. In this post, we’ll explain why flossing matters and the surprising benefits it provides beyond just cleaner teeth.
Why Is Flossing So Important?
Your toothbrush can only reach so much. It cleans the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth — but it can’t effectively clean the tight spaces between them. That’s where flossing comes in. Dental floss removes food particles and plaque buildup from between your teeth and under your gumline, areas that are otherwise missed.
Hidden Benefits of Flossing
Prevents Gum Disease: Flossing helps remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that can lead to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that can damage your gums and jawbone.
Reduces the Risk of Cavities: Plaque and food debris trapped between teeth can increase your risk of developing cavities in those hard-to-reach areas. Regular flossing helps prevent tooth decay where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Protects Your Overall Health: Gum disease has been linked to systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By flossing daily, you reduce inflammation in your gums, which may help lower your risk of these health problems.
Helps Prevent Bad Breath: Food particles left between your teeth can break down and produce unpleasant odours. Flossing helps remove these particles and keeps your breath fresh.
Keeps Your Smile Bright: Plaque between the teeth can cause discolouration over time. By flossing regularly, you can help maintain a whiter, brighter smile.
Common Flossing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Flossing too aggressively: Be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.
Not flossing the entire tooth: Floss both sides of every tooth, including behind your back teeth.
Only flossing occasionally: Consistency is key. Make flossing a part of your daily routine.
How to Floss Properly – A simple step-by-step guide:
Use about 18 inches of dental floss.
Wrap the ends around your middle fingers and hold the floss taut.
Gently slide the floss between your teeth.
Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape.
Move the floss up and down, reaching under the gumline.
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Key Takeaways
Flossing may seem like a small step, but it plays a huge role in protecting your oral and overall health. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
At Cosentino Dental Care, we believe that healthy smiles start with good habits. If you’re unsure about your flossing technique or want more oral hygiene tips, our friendly dental team in Etobicoke is here to help. We proudly accept patients covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Ready to improve your oral health?
• Learn more about our Dental Hygiene Services: https://cosentinodentalcare.ca/services/dental-hygiene/
• Book your next dental hygiene appointment today: https://cosentinodentalcare.ca/book/
