17 Dec Top 5 Reasons to Floss (And How to Make It a Habit)
Did you know that only about one out of three people floss every single day? Most of the time they skip it, because they’re tired and want to go to bed or because it just doesn’t seem that important.
But it’s far too easy for plaque to build up between your teeth when you’re not flossing. And you may be dealing with bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis more often than not because you’re skipping this one simple step.
Five Good Reasons to Floss Every Day
1: It’s the Best Way to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is more dangerous than you might think. In fact, it’s the number one cause of tooth loss. When plaque builds up between your teeth, it’s easy for it to spread down inside your gums and cause infections. So if your gums look red and puffy, feel itchy or irritated, or bleed when you floss, you probably have gingivitis because you aren’t flossing often enough.
2: Brushing Only Cleans 60% of the Tooth Surface
No matter how well you brush, it’s simply not enough. Your toothbrush bristles can’t reach in between your teeth. But those tight spaces where two teeth touch are also some of the most common places for cavities to form. They’re also some of the trickiest cavities to fill! So if you don’t want cavities, you need to be flossing as well as brushing every day.
3: It Keeps Your Breath Fresh
Plaque is stinky. Persistent bad breath often because of plaque buildup between the teeth and beneath the gum line. If you’ve noticed that your breath doesn’t stay fresh very long, even after using mouthwash, it’s probably because you’re not flossing.
4: It Supports Better Health in General
The connection between your mouth and the rest of your body is well-established. Research published by the National Institutes of Health on periodontal disease and diet confirms that gum inflammation is linked to systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Reducing that inflammation at the source through daily flossing means its benefits reach far beyond your mouth.
5: It Takes No Time At All
Flossing might seem tedious, but it really only takes about two minutes. Of all the reasons to floss, this one might be the most underrated. Two minutes a day can protect you from procedures that take hours and cost thousands. Knowing how to floss your teeth the right way makes that time even more effective, since most people are working with less-than-ideal technique without realizing it.
How to Make Flossing a Habit That Actually Sticks
Flossing prevents gum disease, fights cavities, freshens your breath, and supports good health. It’s really easy to do–the hard part is making it a habit. Here are some tips that should help:
- Attach it to another steady habit. For instance, flossing right before brushing at night works great because you’re already at the sink.
- Out of sight really does mean out of mind, so keep the floss where you’ll see it. Put it next to your toothbrush instead of in a drawer.
- Try using a water flosser if string floss feels awkward or makes it difficult to reach your back teeth.
- Turn flossing into part of your daily self-care ritual. Once it clicks into your routine, you stop noticing the effort entirely.
- Give it three weeks. Most habits take consistent repetition before they feel automatic. Setting a reminder in your phone to brush and floss can help you stick to it for the time it takes to become a routine.
Holistic Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, we want to help you prevent cavities and gum disease so that you can keep your teeth and your whole body healthy. As a holistic practice, you can count on us for dental care that uses only the safest, most natural methods available. For instance, we offer non-invasive treatments like ozone therapy to fight gum disease and prevent permanent damage.
If you’re looking for a holistic dentist in Prescott, we would like to meet you. To make an appointment, call 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Content updated 6/19/26.
Photo by Galina Kondratenko on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/25/26.