Most people know that flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral health. But did you know that flossing might also help with weight loss? It's true! Several studies have shown a correlation between regular flossing and a lower body mass index (BMI). While the exact reasons for this connection are still being researched, there are a few theories.
How Flossing Can Help With Weight Loss
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Improved Oral Health: When you floss regularly, you remove food particles and plaque that can build up between your teeth. This not only helps prevent cavities and gum disease, but it can also help you feel more satisfied after meals. When your mouth feels clean and fresh, you're less likely to crave sugary or fatty snacks.
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Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity. Flossing can help reduce inflammation in the mouth, which may have a positive impact on overall inflammation levels in the body.
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Gut Health: There is a growing body of research suggesting that the health of your gut microbiome may play a role in weight management. Flossing can help remove harmful bacteria from the mouth, which may improve gut health and contribute to weight loss.
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Increased Awareness: When you floss regularly, you become more aware of what you're putting in your mouth. This can help you make healthier choices about your diet and avoid mindless snacking.
Additional Benefits of Flossing
In addition to potentially helping with weight loss, flossing offers a number of other benefits for your oral health, including:
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Reduced Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to cavities and gum disease.
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Fresher Breath: Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
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Brighter Smile: Flossing helps remove stains and plaque that can dull your smile.
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Improved Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to overall health. Flossing can help you avoid a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Tips for Successful Flossing
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Floss at least once a day. Ideally, you should floss after every meal, but once a day is a good start.
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Use the proper technique. Make sure you're using a gentle sawing motion to remove plaque and food particles.
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Don't force it. If you feel resistance, don't try to force the floss between your teeth. You could damage your gums.
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Be patient. It may take some time to get used to flossing, but it's worth it for the benefits it provides.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you have any questions about flossing or weight loss, talk to your dentist. They can provide you with personalized advice and help you develop a flossing routine that works for you.
About Our Upland Dental Practice | Expert Dentistry and Personalized Care | Higher Ground Dentistry Learn about our Upland dental practice. Discover our commitment to expert dentistry and personalized care to meet your unique oral health needs. Higher Ground Dentistry - Vikas Sikka, DMD, 121 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite E, Upland, CA 91786 + 909-377-0758 + highergrounddentistry.com + 5/9/2025 + Tags: dentist upland +
Most people know that flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral health. But did you know that flossing might also help with weight loss? It's true! Several studies have shown a correlation between regular flossing and a lower body mass index (BMI). While the exact reasons for this connection are still being researched, there are a few theories.