You want to floss more but the idea is often off-putting. It takes time and energy but is also a tedious task. Unfortunately, when you hold this mindset, your desire to strike up this purposeful habit is reduced. To minimize the potential for serious oral health problems, here are three ways you can make sure you’re flossing regularly and avoiding things like gum disease and tooth decay.
Why is Daily Flossing Important?
Throughout the day, you consume foods and beverages that contain bacteria and particles that can become easily trapped in the crevices of your smile. Brushing can help to remove some of these remnants, but it often requires flossing to eliminate those found between teeth. Because dental floss can easily slide between teeth, you can remove plaque and food particles that attempt to adhere and cause problems later on.
Without daily flossing, plaque and tartar can begin to build up and attack both your teeth and gum tissues. If left untreated, it can develop into tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Ways to Floss Regularly in the New Year
If you want to avoid the potential of needing gum disease therapy because of your lack of flossing, it’s important that you pay close attention. You don’t have to spend the time or money having your gums cleaned every few months because of a serious infection. Instead, you can choose to take back your oral health and start taking better care of your smile.
To do this, you can:
- Find a flossing technique that works for you. If dental floss isn’t cutting it or you find it too difficult to maneuver, try a Waterpik (water irrigator) or an interdental device to make the process easier and more user-friendly.
- Be motivated by the potential risks of not flossing. The idea of scaling and root planing may sound unappealing when realizing it requires using specialized dental instruments to scrape away plaque and tartar as well as smoothing out your tooth roots. Although you’ll receive anesthesia before treatment, it may still not sound like something you want to endure. Let that be your motivation to floss every single day.
- Keep floss in your purse or pocket. When out to lunch with colleagues or friends, you’ll want to keep floss readily available to keep food from getting stuck in your teeth. You can avoid possible pain and embarrassment by running to the restroom and flossing after your meal.
Although flossing may not be the most exciting or joyful task you can perform as part of your oral hygiene routine, it is essential. Whatever is holding you back or keeping you from achieving that better oral health, push it aside and embrace the possibilities of a freshly flossed smile.
About the Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, our team of dentists believes in helping all patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. This is why we offer preventive dental services designed to help you maintain good oral health and prevent problems before they start. We’ll also offer ways to improve your oral hygiene techniques and even incorporate tasks you may not be currently practicing. Visit our website or call (845) 675-1512 to find out how you can make flossing a normal part of your everyday life.