New Year, New You: Make Flossing Every Day Your Resolution

We’ve officially made it to 2022! Have you started working on your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably brainstormed ways to improve your health. While that may include weight loss or breaking poor habits, you should consider focusing on your dental health. Flossing every day is an excellent practice that should be at the top of your list! To help you stay diligent this year, here are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind.

The Importance of Flossing Every Day

First and foremost, it’s incredibly important to understand why you should floss. Although brushing your teeth is an essential practice, it’s not enough to keep plaque from building up on and between your pearly whites. Luckily, when you use dental floss to get into the nooks and crannies your toothbrush missed, you can break up the plaque and remove it before it hardens into a rough substance called tartar. If you neglect to floss your teeth every day, you increase your risk of developing diseases and infections, including cavities and gingivitis.

What Is the Right Way to Floss?

According to the American Dental Association, it’s strongly recommended that you floss between your teeth at least once a day. Here’s what a proper flossing technique looks like:

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss on the same finger on the opposite hand.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefingers, and guide it between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Make sure you avoid snapping the floss into the gums!
• Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• While holding the floss tightly against the tooth, gently rub the sides, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
• Repeat the entire process on the rest of your teeth!

How to Turn Flossing into a Habit

If you want to turn flossing into a daily habit, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Determine your barrier and address it. You should ask yourself what’s stopping you from flossing as much as you should. That way, you can come up with a solution or an alternative to help you out. For instance, if you think you don’t have enough time, consider flossing at stoplights or while you’re watching TV. If it’s because you forget, set reminders on your phone!
• Set a realistic goal for yourself. It takes time to establish a new habit. You should commit to flossing every few days and slowly work your way up until it becomes a part of your everyday routine.
• Think of the risks and find motivation in them. Choosing not to floss can lead to inflammation, bleeding, bone loss, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Make sure you think of all the risks and find motivation in them!

Why not make 2022 the year you improve your oral health? If you make flossing daily a New Year’s resolution, you can ensure your smile remains happy and healthy all year long!

About the Practice

At Dental Impressions, we strive to make every patient feel like a member of our very own family. Our team uses the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If you’d like to learn more flossing tips and tricks, visit our website or call (972) 288-3200.