Let’s Talk About Flossing (Yes, It Actually Matters More Than You Think) 🦷

I have a little confession to make… I’ve rarely gone to the dentist. Between not having benefits, traveling often, and the fact that flossing used to make my gums bleed so much it felt cruel to keep going, it just never became a habit. Honestly, I used to be the person who only flossed when I remembered, which was about once a week. Anyone else been there?

To be 100% honest with you, I had ego around it, I knew I didn't have good oral hygiene habits, and I would be the 'bad patient', and I wasn't ready to feel that...

It wasn't until June 2024 that I moved in with my amazing roommate, who happens to be a Dental Hygienist. She would softly educate me on the importance of mouth hygiene, and I would watch her take extra good care of her own. I started asking more questions, and I was in for a big wake-up call.

So here I am doing all the 'things' to reduce and prevent inflammation in my body, yet I had no idea that neglecting flossing & not going for my semi-annual cleanings was counteracting my efforts of keeping a healthy body.

So I began to take baby steps to better my oral hygiene. It was time, and I was ready.

I started with nightly flossing every night.

Flossing isn’t just about clean teeth—it’s about supporting your whole body’s health, especially the inflammation in your body.

When we skip flossing, plaque builds up between our teeth and gums. That can lead to inflammation, infection, and gum disease. And here’s the kicker: your mouth is a direct gateway to your bloodstream. Chronic gum inflammation has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even brain fog. I was in SHOCK when I discovered this, and thank you, ROOMATE, for your education and inspiration. I'm not sure if I would have taken my oral hygiene so seriously if it wasn't for her.

Side note about the people who come and go from our lives—there’s always a reason. Sometimes we don’t understand it until much later, when it suddenly clicks. I’m genuinely grateful for every single person who’s crossed my path, whether they stayed or just passed through.

Back to flossing, haha. So when your gums bleed while flossing—don’t panic and stop. That’s a sign they need more attention, not less.

Bleeding = inflammation = your gums waving a red flag.

Start slow. Be gentle. Stay consistent. Within a few days, the bleeding will usually ease and your gums will begin to strengthen. For me, it took a full three months before I could floss without seeing a single drop of blood. I celebrated the milestones—two weeks, one month, two months—and now, five months later, I floss nightly with no pain, no stickiness, and best of all, no blood.

Caring for yourself is self-care. By promising myself I’d floss every night and actually following through, I built trust with myself. Just like with so many other habits, I was showing up for me—and that commitment lifted my energy, my vibration, and ultimately, my confidence.

Here’s why flossing is a small act of self-care:

• It supports your immune system.

• It reduces inflammation in the body.

• It can actually freshen your breath and help digestion (yes, really).

• And it’s one of the simplest, cheapest things you can do every day for your health.

It takes 60 seconds. Pop in a podcast, set a reminder, and keep floss in your car or gym bag. Make it a ritual, not a chore. I get to floss and take care of my body, not I have to floss.... boring!

The next step in my journey came when I booked in with a local dentist - the one my roommate worked with, and got the whole package - x-rays, cleaning, and check-up.

And guess what?!?!?! Clean bill of health!!! Now that was an epic feeling.

Here’s a wild one for you—many of you know I spent five years living in Mexico, a country known for having a solid dental system. While I was there, I went in for a few cleanings, and one day I saw this dentist who, without even taking X-rays, told me I had ELEVEN cavities. Eleven! My jaw practically hit the floor.

Something in my gut screamed that he was just in it for the moola, so I walked away and never booked the work. Best decision ever—turns out I’m 100% cavity-free and my oral health is totally up to date. Trusting that intuition saved me a whole lot of drilling… and cash.

Now I can keep flossing and thriving :)

Want to read more about my journey and the behind-the-scenes of what I've witnessed and experienced in the Health & Wellness scene? Join me over on Substack!

Do you have a story to tell or looking for support on your health and wellness journey? Book a one-on-one, no-strings-attached consultation with me and let's see if we are a fit!