As the new year unfolds, many of us embark on a journey towards self-betterment, typically by picking and choosing specific resolutions to stick to. Often, people tend to choose resolutions that revolve around health—going to the gym more often, cutting out junk foods, and improving their oral hygiene are a few of the most popular goals these days. If you’ve opted to floss more though, you’ve truly chosen a useful resolution to pursue; flossing is incredibly important for one’s oral health and should be done daily! Here are a few tips from your dentist to help you stick to your resolution to floss more heading into 2024.
Tip #1. Use the Right Tools
Dental floss is available at most general stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies, and it comes in all sorts of varieties, colors, and even flavors. You can use traditional floss, which comes in waxed or non-waxed strands, or you can opt for dental floss sticks, which are precut strands attached to disposable, safe-to-use pieces of plastic. Oral irrigators, also called Waterpiks, can also be used, though they’re more pricy. These rely on a pressurized, pulsating stream of water that acts as the “floss” and clears away debris from between the teeth. It’s similar to what dentists use at their office, but to a lesser degree.
Tip #2. Use the Proper Technique
The American Dental Association, one of the most reputable of all dental organizations, recommends these steps when it comes to flossing:
- Break off an 18-inch strand of floss and wrap it around most of your middle finger; wind the remaining floss around the same finger on your opposite hand.
- Guide the floss gently between your teeth using a rubbing motion; never snap the floss into the gums. When it reaches the gum line, curve it in a C shape against one tooth and gently slide it between the gum and tooth.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, covering all sides of each tooth. As you work, wrap the dirty floss around the finger on your opposite hand.
Tip #3. Don’t Skip a Day
Flossing every day is just as important as brushing; it allows you to clean the parts of your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach! That said, you shouldn’t be sure you’re skipping this integral step whenever you head to the bathroom sink to brush. If you need to, set a reminder on your phone or download an app to help you track your progress.
Tip #4. Floss on the Go
If you’re always on the go, or you have a particularly hectic morning routine, you might consider packing a container of floss in your bag, your purse, your car, or your desk drawer at work. You can also buy a bag of dental floss sticks and store it similarly. That way, if you forget to floss at home or you’re away for an extended period, you can still stick to your habit and take care of those pearly whites!
About the Practice
The talented team at River Station Family Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Montpelier, VT area for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options in addition to emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (802) 347-9608.