When it comes to the new year, you may be making resolutions that help your smile be better. One habit that many people try to keep up with is flossing. It’s something that many people aren’t very consistent with, but there are some tips you can follow to help you keep up with it. Maybe even learning more about it can keep you motivated, so here’s what you need to know to preserve your oral health and ways to stick with this habit.
Why Is It Important to Floss?
Brushing your teeth, tongue, etc. only cleans about 60% of your smile at a time. It’s important you do the remaining 40%, but that can only be done by flossing. Denal floss thread is designed to reach the nooks and crannies between your teeth and underneath your gumline. You’ll be able to be more thorough and remove bacteria and debris that increase your risk of oral health issues.
What Can I Do to Stick to Flossing?
While you may already know the importance of flossing, you may still have trouble doing it every single day if you never done it that much. You should ease yourself into the habit rather than trying to constantly do it, so here are simple tips you can try out:
- Find Out Why You Don’t Floss: Some people don’t do it because they get tired or don’t like to. To help you remember, consider setting alarms or try out some alternatives like a water flosser or floss holders to make the job easier to do.
- Set a Realistic Goal: Start slow by doing it twice a week, then work your way up. That way, you get used to the motions and become speedier at it.
- Understand You May Bleed: It’s normal for your gums to bleed at first, but this doesn’t mean you should quit! Instead, push through it, and it should hopefully stop over time, but if not, then you should talk to your dentist to see if there’s an underlying problem.
Last but not least, you should be proud of yourself! Give yourself a pat on the back and treat yourself to a reward for sticking with flossing. This can help motivate you to stick with this habit during the new year. That way, you enjoy having a stronger smile for the long run.
About the Practice
At Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the local community get the problem-free grins they deserve with preventive care. By sticking with you throughout your grin’s journey, you can know what you need to do to avoid a wide range of oral health issues. If you want to see how your brushing and flossing habits are, schedule an appointment or call our office at (617) 523-5451.