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Dr. AJAY CHOUDHARY

Consultant - Dental Medicine

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Dr. Ajay Choudhary | Best Dental Surgeon & Implantologist in Jaipur
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Dr. AJAY CHOUDHARY

Consultant - Dental Medicine

Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur

The Benefits of Flossing Daily & What Happens If You Don’t

Posted On: Jul 14, 2025
blogs read 7 Min Read
Benefits of Flossing

When it comes to keeping our teeth and gums healthy, most of us know the basics: brush twice a day, avoid too many sugary snacks, and visit the dentist regularly. But there’s one small act that many skip, even though it can make a world of difference: flossing.

Despite being quick and inexpensive, flossing is often ignored, leading to serious oral health issues over time. In this article, we explain the benefits of flossing daily, what could happen if you don’t, and how to do it properly, along with insights from the dental care team at Manipal Hospital Jaipur.

 

What Is Dental Floss?

Dental floss is a thin, flexible thread made from nylon or plastic that’s specially designed to remove food bits and sticky plaque lodged between your teeth. Your toothbrush can only clean the outer surfaces, but floss can get into those narrow gaps that often go untouched.

Whether you use string floss, tape floss, or floss picks, using any kind of floss regularly can significantly lower your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. We have often observed that dental issues could have been easily avoided with proper flossing.

Why Flossing Matters More Than You Think

Here are the top reasons why flossing every day is essential:

1. Cleans Areas Your Toothbrush Can’t Reach

Even if you brush perfectly, there are tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline that toothbrush bristles simply can't access. That’s where floss comes in, it dislodges debris and plaque that brushing leaves behind.

2. Prevents Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis)

If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar and cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a severe gum condition that may lead to tooth loss. Daily flossing keeps gums healthy by removing the hidden plaque.

3. Reduces Cavities Between Teeth

Most cavities start between teeth, areas people often miss. Flossing helps prevent decay by clearing out the sugar and bacteria that feed on it.

4. Fresher Breath, Naturally

Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by rotting food particles trapped between teeth. Flossing helps eliminate the root cause instead of just masking it.

5. Saves You From Expensive Dental Treatments

Skipping floss may not hurt today, but it can lead to costly procedures later, such as root canals, crowns, or tooth extractions. Prevention is far more affordable.

Additional Benefits of Daily Flossing

Along with gum health and cavity prevention, here are some lesser-known benefits of flossing:

  • Reduces Inflammation in the Body - Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.

  • Supports a Healthy Immune System - Fewer infections in the mouth mean less stress on your immune defences.

  • Improves Appearance of Teeth – Flossing removes plaque and stain-causing food particles, keeping your smile brighter.

Our team of experienced and reputable dentists in Jaipur encourages patients of all ages to make flossing a lifelong habit. It takes just a few minutes but offers long-term rewards.

How to Floss Your Teeth Properly

If you’ve ever found flossing awkward or painful, it could be because you’re not using the correct method. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to floss your teeth the right way:

  • Break off about 18 inches (45 cm) of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers.

  • Hold it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, keeping about 2–3 cm taut between them.

  • Gently slide the floss between two teeth using a zigzag motion.

  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around the side of one tooth and slide it under the gumline.

  • Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and debris.

  • Repeat the process between all your teeth, including the back molars.

If you have braces or dental bridges, ask our expert dentists in Jaipur about specialised dental floss types such as super floss or interdental brushes.

Dental Floss Types – Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no universal solution. Depending on your teeth, you may prefer different dental floss types:

  • Waxed Floss – Glides smoothly and resists shredding, ideal for tighter gaps.

  • Unwaxed Floss – Thinner and less slippery, providing a better grip but more prone to fraying.

  • Dental Tape – Flat and wide, better suited for larger gaps or sensitive gums.

  • PTFE (Teflon) Floss – Slides easily between very tight teeth and rarely shreds.

  • Floss Picks & Holders – Good for beginners or those with limited dexterity.

  • Water Flossers – Useful for people with braces, crowns, or bridges; uses a water jet to clean between teeth.

Need help picking the right option? Manipal Hospital Jaipur offers personalised guidance based on your dental profile.

What Happens If You Don’t Floss?

Skipping flossing occasionally might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can lead to:

  • Bleeding gums – The earliest sign of gum irritation due to plaque.

  • Persistent bad breath – Caused by decay and leftover food particles.

  • Tooth discolouration – From plaque build-up between teeth.

  • Gum infections – Leading to loose teeth or receding gums.

  • More cavities – Especially in hard-to-reach spaces.

  • Increased risk of systemic illnesses - Research shows strong links between oral bacteria and heart disease, high blood pressure, and low birth weight in infants.

If you experience bleeding when flossing, it’s often a sign that you need to floss more, not less. Visit Manipal Hospital Jaipur for a complete dental checkup if you’re unsure.

How to Make Flossing a Daily Habit

  • Floss at the same time each day, preferably before bedtime.

  • Keep it visible, like next to your toothbrush or mirror.

  • Use a flossing app or reminder if you're likely to forget.

  • Reward yourself for a full week of flossing.

  • Try alternatives, like water flossers or pre-threaded flossers, if traditional string floss feels inconvenient.

Building the habit now can save you discomfort and cost later.

Conclusion

Floss Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

Flossing doesn’t require much time, but it goes a long way in preserving your teeth, your gums, and even your general health. It's one of the simplest and most effective tools you can use at home to avoid long-term dental problems.

If you haven’t made flossing a daily routine yet, there’s no better time to start. And if you're unsure about your technique or need help picking the right floss, the dentist at Manipal Hospital Jaipur is always ready to guide you with expert care.

FAQ's

Dental floss is a thin, soft thread made of nylon or similar material, used to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline. It plays a crucial role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath by reaching areas your toothbrush can’t.

Start with about 18 inches of floss, winding most around your middle fingers. Hold it taut and gently guide it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Curve it into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it beneath the gumline. Avoid snapping the floss, as it can harm the gums. Repeat for all teeth, using a clean section each time.

There are several dental floss types to suit various needs:

  • Waxed floss: Easy to slide between tight teeth

  • Unwaxed floss: Thinner but may fray

  • Dental tape: Broad and flat, ideal for wider gaps

  • PTFE floss: Glide-friendly and shred-resistant

  • Floss picks or water flossers: Useful for those with limited dexterity or braces

Choosing the right type depends on your dental structure and personal comfort.

Skipping flossing allows plaque to build up between the teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, cavities, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Neglected oral hygiene may also contribute to other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Flossing too harshly or snapping the thread can irritate or cut the gums. However, when done gently and properly, daily flossing helps strengthen the gums and improve overall oral health. Always use a soft, controlled technique and avoid forcing the floss.

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