Plenty of people make New Year’s resolutions in an effort to improve their overall health. One common goal is to start flossing on a daily basis. Of course, picking up a new habit is easier said than done, but luckily your preventive dentist is here to help. Below is a quick look at why flossing is so important and what you can do to make it part of your regular routine in 2025.
The Importance of Flossing
Odds are that you already brush your teeth twice a day, which can go a long way toward protecting your smile from harmful bacteria. However, there are many areas in your mouth that your toothbrush simply can’t clean effectively – namely, the spaces between your teeth where food particles and plaque can easily accumulate. Flossing gives you a way to keep these areas clean, which can significantly lower your risk for gum disease and other oral health problems.
Tips for Making Flossing a Habit
You might have trouble getting into the habit of flossing at first. Here are some tips that can make things easier:
- Take Baby Steps: Try starting small by making it your goal to floss two times a week. Once you’ve gotten the hang of that, you can move up to three days a week and continue the process until you’re flossing every day.
- Leave Yourself a Reminder: Do you keep forgetting to floss? Try setting an alert on your phone or putting a sticky note on your bathroom mirror to help you remember.
- Put the Floss in a Visible Area: It’s easier to remember to use your floss if you leave it in a place where you’ll definitely see it. A good option is right on top of your toothpaste.
- Explore Your Options for Flossing: Some people find it difficult to get in the habit of flossing because they have a hard time cleaning their teeth with traditional string floss. It may be worth getting floss picks or a water flosser if those tools would be easier for you to use.
- Keep Some Floss at Work: If you’re often in a rush in the morning, it can be all too easy to forget to floss before you run out the door. As such, it may be a good idea to leave some dental floss in the drawer of your desk at work.
Flossing is an essential step for protecting your overall oral health. By turning it into a habit, you can keep your smile in excellent condition throughout 2025!
About the Author
Dr. Adam Jones went to the University of Florida College of Dentistry for his Doctor of Dental Medicine. He currently holds membership with the American College of Prosthodontists and the Academy of Osseointegration. His Vero Beach practice, Premier Dental, offers routine preventive dental care along with more advanced services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones, visit his website or call (772) 234-5353.