Do you dread the moment your hygienist or dentist tells you that you need to floss more? There is only one solution, and it isn’t as difficult as many of us make it out to be. However, a lot of people still slack on their daily flossing.
The New Year is a great time to make this change, but you will need to stick with it to see the benefits. Continue reading to learn from your dentist in Mount Vernon why flossing is so important plus get some tips to maintain your New Year’s resolution.
Why Is Flossing Essential?
Even though brushing twice a day goes a long way in keeping your smile in good health, it isn’t enough. There are certain areas of your mouth that your toothbrush cannot quite reach. That’s why dentists all over the world recommend that you floss at least once a day. This helps you to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline. When this isn’t removed, you are much more likely to develop tooth decay and periodontal disease.
How to Make Flossing Habitual in 2022
As committed as you are, the following tips may help you make your New Year’s resolution a reality:
- Set a realistic goal: You probably won’t go from no flossing to flossing daily. Try beginning with flossing twice a week and gradually increasing until you’re doing it daily. Commit to specific days ahead of time.
- Reward yourself: For every week or month that you floss without missing a day, allow yourself to have a little treat as a reward for your diligence.
- Ask yourself why you don’t floss: If you are always exhausted when you get home at night, flossing may not be the number one thing on your mind. Set a reminder on your phone to go off right before bedtime or put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror. Don’t like flossing? Purchase a floss holder or disposable flossers to make the job easier.
- Don’t be surprised by bleeding: A lack of flossing usually means the gums are inflamed, so they may bleed the first few times you floss. This is normal and should stop after a few days. If not, you likely have gum disease and need to visit your dentist.
- Remember the risks: If you don’t floss, you are much more likely to end up with periodontal disease. This can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is also linked to other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
It pays to keep up with your oral health. By taking steps every day, like flossing, you will be able to show off a strong, healthy smile for many years to come. Best of luck with your New Year’s resolution from your Mount Vernon dentist!
About the Practice
At Cross Creek Dental Care, you can always expect custom dentistry based on your specific oral health needs. Our dentists and staff will take the time to make sure you know everything that we do about your smile. This way, you can make confident, fully informed decisions about how we help you. Both of our dentists will be happy to further explain why flossing means so much for the health of your mouth during your next dental cleaning and exam, which you can schedule on our website or by calling (740) 392-6156.