Top 4 Amazing Benefits of Brushing & Flossing You Shouldn’t Ignore

Brushing and flossing may seem like simple daily habits, but their benefits go far beyond just keeping your teeth clean. When done consistently and correctly, these routines form the backbone of lifelong oral health.

If you’re wondering why your Cheltenham dentist keeps emphasising them at every visit, here’s a closer look at the top benefits of brushing and flossing — and why they’re essential for a healthy smile.

#1 Whiter Teeth and Brighter Smile!

Let’s face it — everyone loves the look of clean, white teeth. However, such habits of eating, drinking, and smoking may eventually tint your teeth and give them a dull or yellowish tint.

Brushing every day will allow you to clean surface stains, and flossing will keep plaque and particles between the teeth, as the toothbrush cannot reach them.

Plaque, if left untouched, hardens into tartar, which discolours teeth and requires professional cleaning to remove. By brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you can prevent this build-up and maintain a smile that looks fresh and clean every day.

#2 Fresh Breath!

Bad breath, or halitosis, typically occurs when food remnants and bacteria remain in the mouth, allowing them to multiply and produce unpleasant odours. When these particles aren’t removed through brushing and flossing, they decompose and create an unpleasant odour.

One of the biggest yet often overlooked benefits of brushing and flossing is the ability to keep your breath fresh. You can also eliminate odour-causing bacteria by brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth on top of brushing your teeth.

#3 Healthy, Firms Gums!

Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to oral health. Plaque that forms along the gumline can irritate and inflame your gums, leading to gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease.

Signs of this include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. Proper brushing cleans not only your teeth but also the area where your teeth and gums meet.

Flossing, on the other hand, removes debris and plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline — places your toothbrush can’t reach. This is why maintaining this area clean is one of the best ways to avoid periodontal (gum) disease, which, when untreated, may result in tooth loss and has even been attributed to heart disease and diabetes.

#4 Save Money!

Good dental care saves you money.

A proper oral hygiene routine and care will help avoid difficulties that might necessitate extra dental visits.

You can save on the cost of dental treatments with well-maintained at-home care!

How to Brush Properly

Healthy brushing is essential to your oral care regimen. To have a healthy mouth and smile, your Cheltenham dentist recommends you:

• Clean the teeth with a soft brush at least twice a day.
• Change your toothbrush every three to four months or earlier, depending on when the bristles become splayed. There is no way a battered toothbrush can clean your teeth.
• Remember to use toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Why Flossing Is Equally Important

Flossing isn’t optional — it’s a necessary part of your dental routine. The space between your teeth is small, and a toothbrush cannot reach small spaces under the gum line.

That’s where flossing comes in. Flossing helps:

• Prevent the formation of cavities between teeth.
• De-trap food particles that may cause decay.
• Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.
• Maintain healthy bone support around your teeth.

If you find traditional flossing difficult, consider using floss picks, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to make the process easier and more comfortable.

The Long-Term Benefits of Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing are more than just daily activities; when you do, you not only clean your teeth but also secure your future well-being. Research has shown that good oral hygiene can even contribute to better overall health.

Bacteria from untreated gum infections can enter your bloodstream and have been linked to severe conditions like heart disease, respiratory infections, and complications in diabetes.

While it may seem simple, the consistent act of brushing and flossing offers powerful protection — not just for your teeth but for your entire body.

Oral Health in Cheltenham

Brushing and flossing keep your smile beautiful, save money, and can even save your life!

Experience fresher breath, healthier gums, and stronger teeth at Dentist On Warrigal Cheltenham!

Contact us on (03) 9583 5506 or request your appointment online.

We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.