Did you know that 28% of people say that they only floss when they feel the need to, or not even at all? It is one of the most important dental hygiene practices that are responsible for keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your life, but unfortunately, it often gets placed on the backburner. Whether they feel they don’t have time, or just don’t think it’s important enough to go to the “trouble of it,” people have a multitude of excuses when it comes to why they haven’t been flossing. Maybe you decided to break the mold this year and choose to add flossing more to your list of New year’s resolutions – and if not, there’s still time! Keep reading to learn a few tips that can help you prioritize it this year.
Why is Flossing So Important?
Before getting into the tips and tricks to help you remember to floss when you should, it’s important to understand why it’s so crucial to your oral health. It might just give you the motivation you need:
- It prevents gum disease. Flossing is not just for your teeth. If the leftover bacteria from what you consume is not removed, it can cause plaque build-up around your gums, which can eventually infiltrate the soft tissue and lead to gum disease.
- Your breath will smell fresher. Believe it or not, flossing actually helps your breath! The bacteria that get stuck in and around your teeth have a foul odor, and once removed by flossing, it can do wonders for bad breath.
- Tooth decay can be avoided. Even if you’re faithful about brushing your teeth every day, it’s just as important to floss beforehand. There are leftover food particles in between your teeth that your toothbrush bristles can’t quite reach. Flossing first helps to dislodge them, so your toothbrush can take it from there.
Protect your teeth and gums by not neglecting those hard-to-reach areas that flossing can take care of.
Tips for Making Flossing A Priority
Now that you know why flossing is so important and preventive, here are a few tips that can help you to keep up the good work:
Set A Reminder
At the end of a long day, there’s a good chance that flossing your teeth before you collapse into bed is not at the top of your mind. Try setting yourself a reminder on your phone, or even in the form of a note on the bathroom mirror to help you remember!
Choose A Tool That Will Encourage You to Floss
A string of floss is not for everyone. Many people find it much easier to use floss picks or water picks. Plus, there are plenty of fun and colorful options out there that can increase the likelihood of children flossing as well.
Always Have Some Floss on Hand
Whether it’s a travel pack of floss picks or a small container of string floss, having some with you in your pocket, purse, or even your car can help remind you to give your teeth a quick cleaning after eating meals or snacking throughout the day.
Everyone’s lifestyle is different, and you probably lead a busy one like most others. In the midst of it, don’t forget to prioritize the health of your teeth and gums by flossing. Your smile will thank you down the road!
About the Practice
Dr. Karl Arakelian has been practicing in the dental field for nearly 30 years, and he is passionate about educating his patients on how they can best care for their smiles. Nothing makes him happier than to know he is helping others maintain excellent oral health. With over a thousand hours of continuing education under his belt, he is always doing everything possible to enhance his skills so that he can continue to provide the highest quality of care. Are you ready to make your smile a priority this year? Request an appointment online or call (978) 373-0901.
