January is a popular time to make New Year’s resolutions, but many of us have trouble following through with them all year long. To successfully achieve your resolutions, it’s important to set reasonable goals and practical habits. So if you’re looking to get healthier or improve yourself this year, why not start with flossing? This may not be your favorite part of your dental routine, but it plays a key role in preventing a wide range of oral health issues. Read on to learn why flossing is so important and a few helpful tips for keeping your New Year’s resolution to floss more in 2021!
Why Is Flossing Important?
Did you know that experts say flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing them? According to numerous studies, toothbrushing alone only removes about 60% of the plaque and bacteria in your mouth. The other 40% hides in places where your toothbrush bristles can’t easily reach, such as between your teeth, just under your gumline, and behind your back molars. When you neglect to floss daily, you dramatically increase your risk of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections even if you brush your teeth twice a day.
How Can I Make Flossing a Habit?
Sometimes, simply knowing how important flossing is isn’t enough to help us floss every day. Maybe you have trouble remembering to floss, or maybe you find flossing difficult and frustrating. Thankfully, there are plenty of little things you can do to help yourself get into the habit of flossing:
- Start slow: Going from no flossing to flossing every day isn’t realistic for long-term success. Instead, start out flossing a few times a week and gradually increase as you’re ready to.
- Refresh yourself on how to best floss: Feel free to watch videos or read diagrams from trusted dental sources to brush up on the most effective and comfortable ways to floss.
- Use the product that’s right for you: Customize flossing to your unique preferences by investing in waxed floss, flavored floss, or interdental brushes.
- Remind yourself to floss: Keep your floss in front of or on top of your toothpaste so you see it every time you brush your teeth. You can also write yourself reminders or set notifications on your phone!
- Make flossing convenient: Some flossing is better than no flossing. Keep floss in a convenient place, like in your car, handbag, or by the couch so you can use it in your downtime.
Commit to a cleaner, healthier, and more dazzling smile in 2021! Use these simple but effective tips to integrate flossing into your daily life.
About the Practice
At Hill Avenue Dental, we’re proud to serve smiles of all ages in Superior and the surrounding communities. We love to teach our patients about their own oral health and all the best ways they can keep their smiles happy and healthy at home. During your next appointment, we’ll be happy to demonstrate the best flossing techniques and make personalized product recommendations to make your daily dental routine as effective as possible. To learn more, we can be contacted via our website or at (715) 392-5161.