How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution of Flossing More Often

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? While many of us use the start of a New Year to set goals for ourselves, most don’t reach them. When making a New Year’s resolution, it’s essential that you choose a reasonable goal that can be achieved with practical habits. So if you’re looking for a resolution you’ll be able to stick to that will improve your health, why not start with flossing? Flossing plays a key role in preventing a wide range of oral health issues. Read on to learn more about why flossing is so important and a few helpful tips for keeping your New Year’s resolution to floss more often in 2021.

Why Is Flossing Important?

Flossing may not be your favorite activity, but experts say it’s just as important to your smile as brushing. Recent studies demonstrate that toothbrushing alone only removes about 60% of plaque and bacteria from the mouth. The other 40% hide in places that toothbrush bristles can’t reach, but floss can. Cleaning out these hard-to-reach areas by flossing during your dental routine ensures that your mouth is healthy and minimizes its risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems.

How Can I Make Flossing a Habit?

Do you have trouble remembering to floss? Do you avoid flossing because you find it difficult or frustrating? Use these helpful tips to help yourself get into the habit of flossing every day:

• Start slow: Going from no flossing to flossing every day is quite the jump. Instead, try starting out by flossing a few times a week and gradually increasing as you’re ready to.
• Brush up on flossing: Take a moment to review your flossing technique and compare it to recommendations from your dentist and the ADA for maximum efficiency and comfort.
• Use the product that’s right for you: If you find traditional dental wax tricky to handle, try using ADA-approved pre-threaded flossers, interdental brushes, or other dental tools.
• Remind yourself to floss: Keep your floss somewhere you’ll see it every time you brush your teeth, such as in front or on top of your toothpaste. You can also leave yourself notes or set digital reminders on your phone.
• Make flossing convenient: Some flossing is better than none at all. Keep floss in convenient locations like your car, handbag, or by the couch so you can use it in your downtime.

There’s no better time to commit to a cleaner, healthier, and more dazzling smile! Use these simple tips to integrate flossing into your daily life in 2021 and far beyond.

About the Practice

Dr. Mark Stapleton of White Oak Dental is proud to help smiles of all ages achieve and maintain optimal oral health for life. He and his team focus on preventive treatment and patient education to prevent oral health issues from developing and causing damage. With a long list of accepted dental insurances and comforting, spa-like patient amenities, he strives to make getting the oral healthcare you need a pleasant experience. To learn more, he can be contacted via his website or at (952) 448-2868.