Dentists recommend it so regularly that it’s easy to become immune to their suggestions, but flossing really is worth it if you factor it into your daily dental hygiene routine.

If you’re still unconvinced, here are the main advantages of flossing that will make you think twice about skipping it.

The problem with dental plaque is partly to do with how easy it is to overlook. You might not notice that it’s building up around your teeth over time, and if left unchecked it will cause your enamel to deteriorate, leading to all sorts of other issues.

Getting rid of plaque is not possible through brushing alone, because there are some hard-to-reach areas that will escape the bristles and go untouched. Thus flossing is a means of getting into gaps, sweeping away debris that would otherwise breed bacteria, and nipping plaque in the bud before it can get a foothold.

One of the dilemmas that damage to your tooth enamel can cause is the dreaded cavity. Like plaque, you won’t notice cavities when they are in their early stages, but if they are allowed to prosper, they will cause pain and effectively allow your teeth to decay sooner than they should.

Dental floss rides to the rescue here and should be used regardless of the diet you follow or your other daily routines.

Many people resist regular dental check-ups and improvements due to the expense.

Longevity tip: With the help of dental insurance, the cost of repairing the damage done to your teeth through poor maintenance is not as steep as you might expect.

Even so, it’s better to prevent unsightly decay from occurring in the first place, and this is something that flossing ensures. So if you want to keep your smile looking bright and vibrant, don’t shy away from floss if you can help it.

No one likes to think that they have halitosis, or even that their mouth is anything less than fresh when meeting other people from day to day.

Brushing your teeth and your tongue will help of course, but unless you’re flossing as well you’ll be missing out on the ultimate in a clean, sweet, unsullied breath.

Once again, it’s the food debris and the bacteria that come with it that are to blame for unpleasant oral smells. Worse still, it’s tricky to know when bad breath is afflicting us, so it’s best to play it safe and embrace regular flossing.

If your mouth maintenance isn’t up to scratch and this persists for year after year, gum disease could come calling.

Gingivitis is the first stage of this and is indicated by symptoms such as bleeding from your gums during brushing, as well as inflammation of this sensitive area.

The more care and attention you pay to your dental health and overall oral hygiene, the safer you’ll be from the grip of gum disease. Flossing is part and parcel of this process, and to defend your teeth for decades, you can’t ignore it.

The thing about flossing is that not only does it give you all sorts of aesthetic and practical benefits, but it also takes very little time to do.

So rather than having to pay for costly treatment and put up with the pain of poorly maintained teeth, adding a minute to your morning routine will pay dividends in the long run.

Do speak to your dentist if you have any concerns, or if you simply need advice on how to floss in the best way without causing yourself any issues.

Nadine Westwood is a registered dietitian, travel blogger & fitness lover. In her spare time, she helps save stray animals. Nadine really does enjoy sharing her fitness journey with others who might need help with weight loss or finding a stress reliever.

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