I’m guessing you’re probably thinking about your New Year’s resolutions right now. As you finalize your list of goals for the year, may I humbly suggest devoting one to doing something that can dramatically improve your oral health? You might assume I’m going to tell you to cut out sugar, but what I have in mind isn’t that drastic. Instead, it’s a simple, long-standing part of oral care that too many people ignore: flossing.
Brushing without flossing is like washing your hands without scrubbing between your fingers. Even the most high-tech, expensive toothbrushes will not dislodge all of the plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.
Flossing helps prevent bad breath and gum disease. Given that gum disease has been linked to conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes, resolving to floss will benefit your overall health.
Now that you know just how important flossing is, how can you make sure you do it regularly? To start, put floss in a readily available location. If you watch TV before bed, put some floss on your nightstand or next to the couch. You can also stick a few floss picks in your purse, so you have them in a pinch. Another great tactic is to stick a Post-it note on your bathroom mirror that reads, “FLOSS!”
If you’re not a regular flosser, try to begin by flossing at least two or three times per week. From there, work your way up until you’re flossing once daily. Flossing after every brushing session is awesome, but once-daily flossing is enough to prevent the build up of nasty substances between your teeth.
There’s no specific type or brand of floss that works best. Decide which you are most likely to use and go with that. Flossing may not be a dramatic resolution, but it can make a big difference when it comes to your oral health.