It feels like every week there’s something new trending in oral care, especially teeth whitening. We understand, you just want to feel comfortable and confident when you smile. So it’s no wonder that teeth whitening strips, LED kits, and whitening toothpastes are flying off the shelves. But what if we told you one of the most underrated tools to brighten your smile is already sitting in your bathroom drawer? That’s right. We’re talking about flossing.
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You probably already guessed that, considering Slate is flossing's #1 advocate, but how does flossing help whiten your teeth? Flossing isn’t just about avoiding cavities or keeping your dentist happy. It actually plays an important role in the overall appearance of your teeth and gums. So let’s dig into how and why your floss deserves a lot more credit and attention.
Flossing = Less Plaque = Brighter Teeth
If you’re trying to whiten your teeth, then you’re likely using whitening toothpaste, which can be a helpful tool. But have you ever noticed that the connecting surfaces between teeth almost always look more yellow than the front of your teeth? That could be tartar. If you’re not flossing regularly, the plaque left behind when you’re done brushing your teeth can turn into tartar—a yellow or brown crusty substance that no amount of whitening toothpaste can fix.
While brushing does a decent job cleaning the front and back of your teeth, it doesn’t get into those tight spaces between them. That’s where flossing comes in. When you floss, you’re scrubbing away the plaque and buildup that your toothbrush just can’t reach.
By consistently removing that plaque, your teeth will look cleaner, less discolored, and whiter. Not to mention, they’ll be healthier! That means that over time, consistent flossing can help your teeth appear naturally whiter without the need for bleaching or harsh chemicals.
Stains Love Hiding Between Teeth
Think about what you eat and drink during the day. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, pasta sauce… They’re delicious, but they’re also known for staining teeth. And guess where those stains love to settle? That’s right—between your teeth.
Similarly to the leftovers in your Tupperware, the longer food sits on your teeth, the more likely it is to stain them. Brushing your teeth at the end of the day doesn’t cut it. Flossing is the most effective way to remove those stain-causing particles before they have a chance to settle in and discolor your enamel. It’s a simple step that makes a surprising difference, especially when you’re sipping on your daily soda or indulging in that evening glass of merlot.
It Helps Your Gums, Too
Healthy gums make your teeth look better. If your gums are puffy and inflamed, your teeth are going to look worse, regardless of how white they are. When you don’t floss, bacteria builds up under the gumline, leading to inflammation, sensitivity, and even bleeding gums.
By flossing daily, you’re not just improving your gum health, you’re improving the overall appearance of your smile. Think of it like framing a picture. The cleaner and healthier the frame, the better the picture looks. If you’re unsure how to properly stimulate your gums while flossing, try gently wrapping the floss around your tooth in a C-shape and sliding it down below the gums. You should also consider switching to the Slate Electric Flosser. Our Gum Sweeps and sonic vibrations are designed to massage your gums while you floss!
It Enhances the Effects of Whitening Products
Already using whitening toothpaste or treatments? Great! But they’ll work a lot better if your teeth are clean and free of buildup. Whitening agents can’t work their magic properly if they’re being blocked by layers of plaque or tartar.
Flossing helps prep your teeth so whitening products can do their job more effectively. It’s like exfoliating your skin before applying a face mask. You’re removing the gunk so the good stuff can soak in. Flossing ensures you’re not undercutting your whitening efforts by neglecting your overall oral health.
Quick Tips to Make Flossing Easier
If flossing feels annoying or hard to stick with, here are a few tips that might help:
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Switch to the Slate Flosser if traditional string floss isn’t your thing. Our woven floss, combined with our sonic vibrations, disrupts as much plaque as possible. Slate makes flossing quick and easy so that you can reap the benefits of flossing daily.
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Keep floss handy in your purse, at your desk, or even in the car for on-the-go touch-ups. The fewer barriers you have to flossing, the better.
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Pair it with another habit, like watching TV or listening to a podcast, to make it feel less like a chore.
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Start small. Even flossing a few times a week is better than not at all!
Flossing might not be trendy, but it’s a cornerstone of good oral health, and it’s one of the most effective ways to naturally boost the brightness of your smile. Just a couple of minutes a day can save you money on whitening treatments, dental cleanings, and potential fillings down the road.
So if you’re chasing that whiter, cleaner, more radiant smile, don’t overlook the basics. Pick up that floss (or preferably the Slate Flosser) and give your teeth the love they deserve. Your smile (and your future self) will thank you.
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