- Flossing regularly helps to reduce the risk of gum disease, which in turn can lower systemic inflammation.
- Poor oral hygiene is linked with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, poor gut health and other chronic conditions.
- Aim to floss at least once per day—ideally before bed—and remember to keep the rest of your mouth clean, too.
Let’s be real—despite what dentists recommend, many people don’t actually floss every day. But if you’re one of them, you may change your ways after learning about its surprising benefits. We spoke with leading dentists, and it turns out that maintaining good oral health isn’t just about shiny white teeth and fresh breath—it can benefit your entire body.
“The condition of your oral health greatly impacts your general overall health,” says Jenna Chimon, D.D.S. “If your oral health is in poor condition and presents with issues such as gum disease, decay and infections, it can lead to systemic issues.”
Here are four ways flossing and maintaining good oral health may benefit your body as a whole.
1. Less Inflammation
“By flossing regularly the amount of bacteria in the mouth can be controlled and reduce the risk of gum disease,” says Chimon. Flossing removes bacteria and debris from between your teeth—areas a toothbrush may not always reach—helping to reduce gum inflammation. Poor oral health, including gum disease, has been linked to increased inflammation throughout the body, which may contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease, says Chimon.,,
“When you cut down irritation and bacteria in the mouth, you’re also lowering inflammation throughout the body,” adds Casey Lau, D.D.S.
2. Better Heart Health
By flossing regularly, you lower your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. “Gum disease can spread harmful bacteria into the bloodstream which can contribute to arterial plaque buildup and general inflammation,” Chimon says. She adds that these processes are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular issues like heart disease and high blood pressure. In fact, a 2024 review identified poor oral health—specifically tooth loss from gum disease—as a risk factor for dying from heart disease. Another study found that men and women with gum disease had 22% and 11% greater odds of developing heart disease, respectively.
3. More Stable Blood Sugar
There is a bidirectional relationship between gum disease and type 2 diabetes, meaning each condition increases the risk of the other. In fact, gum disease is recognized as the sixth complication of diabetes.
Inflammation from gum disease can lead to chronic systemic inflammation, which may raise 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 compared to those who don’t floss.
4. Possible Gut Health Improvements
Without a healthy oral environment, food may not be broken down as effectively, which may have a subtle impact on gut health and digestion, Chimon says. The bigger concern, however, is the buildup of harmful bacteria from poor oral hygiene. Since your digestive system starts at your mouth, everything is connected. An overgrowth of these bacteria can increase inflammation, disrupt gut balance and potentially worsen symptoms from 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 plenty of 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 handle,” says Chimon.
For proper flossing technique, Alice Hoang, D.M.D., suggests forming a C-shape with your floss around the tooth in order to hug the curves of each tooth. “This is critical to reach all the remaining bacteria not disrupted by brushing,” she says. Chimon adds that it’s also important to bring the floss against each side of the tooth and gently glide it up and down just beneath the gumline.
If you’re still unsure, ask your dental hygienist or dentist to show you how to properly floss.
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 helps remove bacteria from your mouth, supporting better oral health and fresher breath.
- Consider Using a Water Flosser. “A water pick is a good adjunct to flossing to help loosen up and remove debris, especially if a person has a lot of dental work present in their mouths,” Chimon says.
- Talk to Your Dentist If Your Teeth Are Misaligned. “This can negatively impact the health of your teeth and gums,” Chimon says. “Speak to your dentist about this and find out if there’s anything you can do to improve the longevity and health of your teeth.”
- Stay Hydrated. “Proper hydration is key to maintaining good oral health,” Hoang says. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production drops and can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Drinking water after meals also helps wash down food debris and prevents stains from forming on the teeth, she adds.
- Consider Chewing Sugar-Free Gum After Meals. This can stimulate saliva production. “Our saliva is a natural buffer against bacteria, which causes cavities,” Hoang says. “Saliva helps lubricate the mouth and helps wash down residual particles.”
Our Expert Take
Sticking to a daily flossing habit isn’t just about keeping your teeth bright and breath fresh—it’s about maintaining good health. By removing food debris and plaque and reducing gum inflammation, flossing can reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and may decrease systemic inflammation linked with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Sure, flossing can feel like a chore sometimes—but it’s one small step that can make a big difference in your health.
