As the new year approaches, it can be tempting to make a resolution that is a little too ambitious. It’s definitely a good thing to want to make a positive change, but a radically new diet or an incredibly intense gym routine can be difficult to stick to. Instead of shooting for the moon, it might be better instead to do something important, but achievable.
Flossing is one of the best things you can do to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and unsightly plaque buildup. However, many people have trouble committing to a flossing habit. If you want to try sticking with flossing in the new year, here are a few tips that might help.
Remind Yourself
One of the biggest barriers to flossing each day is just remembering to so do. There is a myriad of apps and timers that can remind you to floss every day; using one of these might be just what you need to stay on track with your flossing habit. If you’d prefer a low-tech option, sticky notes placed strategically can serve as good reminders. Finally, it can be helpful to store your dental floss in a place where you’re likely to see it often, like on a bathroom counter, instead of tucked away in a drawer.
Try Another Method
Some people aren’t the biggest fan of putting their fingers in their mouths, or they struggle to maneuver dental floss properly. While it gets easier with practice, that’s enough of a barrier to entry to stop some people from flossing consistently. Luckily, there are other ways to clean between your teeth. Interdental brushes or oral irrigators can do the job of dental floss much more easily.
Remember Its Importance
If you feel your motivation waning, it’s good to remember why flossing is so important. Over 50% of adults in the US are affected by some form of gum disease, and one of the primary causes of oral infection is plaque buildup in between the teeth. Brushing alone can do a lot to break down these plaque deposits, but flossing is the best way to target the areas that brushing can’t reach.
Once you start flossing consistently, you’ll be surprised at how good it makes you feel. Seeing the results will make it easy to stick to the habit.
About the Author
If there’s one thing that Dr. Jayme Glamm’s patients notice when they talk to her, it’s how much she genuinely loves her job. She knows the value of a healthy smile, and she feels privileged to be able to help the members of her community find theirs. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. If you have any questions about the benefits of flossing, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (614) 487-0112.