January is upon us again, and that means we have a whole new year to try to improve ourselves. Many people take the coming of a new year as an opportunity to resolve to improve themselves in some way. While many people will resolve to start exercising, quit smoking, and read more, it’s also a great idea to get into the habit of flossing every day to improve your dental health. Here’s why flossing is a great habit and a few tips for getting on board with the practice.
Why Is Flossing So Important to My Oral Health?
While your toothbrush may get all the credit for your oral hygiene, floss is every bit as important for preventing tooth decay and gum disease because it can clean the spaces where a brush cannot reach. The spaces between your teeth can accumulate plaque, food debris, and foreign objects over time, and all of this creates a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing can clear all of this mess away, protecting your teeth, freshening your breath, and stimulating blood flow to the gums to keep them healthy.
How Can I Get Into the Habit of Flossing Regularly?
While many people may have had difficulty getting on board with flossing before, there are several ways you can make developing this key habit a little easier. A few tips include:
Set a reminder
Smartphones usually come with timing apps that include daily alarms. Pick a time of day to be flossing time and set your phone to give you a buzz right at that time. You might also try putting a sticky note in some visible area by your toothbrush. These simple cues can help you remember that you’ve resolved to start flossing and that it’s time to hop to it!
Find a method you prefer
Many people just don’t find flossing to be comfortable. Thankfully, traditional waxed dental floss is no longer the only way to floss. These days, you can buy disposable floss picks or electric water flossers at your local pharmacy. Many people find these appliances easier to use.
Bring some floss with you
Keeping floss with you can help you keep your New Year’s Resolution in mind. Buy a few packs of floss and have one on your bathroom counter, one on the coffee table in the living room, one in your car, one for your purse or backpack, one for your desk at work, and so on. You will never be able to say that you don’t have floss on hand.
Don’t let this New Year go by without making a few positive changes. By flossing every day, you can slay the gingivitis germs and keep your pearly whites shiny and bright.
About the Author
Dr. Alexandria N. Arditti earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC. She is a member of the California Dental Association and loves providing her patients with outstanding care. Her office in Huntington Beach, CA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on the benefits of flossing, contact her office online or dial (714) 592-4294.