Keeping Your Periodontal Promise: 3 Tips to Help You Floss Regularly

Now that you’re through the holidays and have rung in the new year, it’s time to set resolutions for self-improvement. If you’re like many others prioritizing their smile this year, you may set a goal for yourself to floss more frequently. You know you should be doing it twice daily after you brush your teeth but tend to skip it. Even if you brush thoroughly, though, flossing still plays a major role in your overall dental condition. Without cleaning between your teeth and below the gumline, you’re more likely to develop an issue like tooth decay or gum disease. If you have a hard time incorporating this essential step into your everyday life, read on for 3 tips to help you stick with it!

Tip #1: Remind Yourself

Now that winter break is over, you’re probably getting busier with school or work projects. It’s easy to forget small tasks like flossing as your schedule fills back up, especially if it wasn’t already a consistent habit. If you’re rushing to get out the door in the morning or are exhausted after a long day, it’s more likely to slip your mind.

To prevent that, you can set an alarm or reminder on your smartphone or even write yourself a note that you stick to the bathroom mirror. That’ll keep it fresh in your mind so that you’re more likely to get it done. Then, once you’ve grown accustomed to regularly including this task, you may find that you no longer need the added prompt!

Tip #2: Use Different Floss

You may have been subconsciously avoiding this step in your oral hygiene regimen because you find it tricky or unpleasant. A lot of people have a hard time with traditional floss either because the flavor is overpowering, or they don’t like the texture. Others have mobility challenges and it’s not feasible to wrap the twine around their fingers and angle it appropriately around their pearly whites.

Fortunately, there are other types you can try until you find one that you prefer. If you don’t like the way yours tastes, for example, look for a flavorless alternative. If it’s too fibrous, get a waxed version that slides more easily. You might do better with a pick because it has a handle so it’s easier to manipulate. There are even options for water flossers that shoot jets of H2O between your teeth. Try them out until you find one that you like better!

Tip #3: Keep Dental Appointments

If you avoid flossing every day because the string simply shreds, or it makes your gums feel sore and causes them to bleed, then you should probably schedule a checkup with your dentist. You might have a hidden cavity that’s tearing at the string as it slides by, or an infection from gum disease. Dental problems like these don’t resolve themselves and will require a professional’s touch to heal. They’ll examine your condition to identify areas of concern, and then work with you on appropriate solutions to address them.

Now that you have a few ideas to help you floss more consistently, you can look forward to the coming year knowing your smile is protected!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, you and the entire family benefit from a team of dentists who offer a full array of services to meet all your dental needs. With general practitioners as well as board-certified specialists, they’re experts at improving your grin. Whether you require a checkup or have a cavity that needs to be filled, they can help. You’re welcome to request an appointment at our convenient North Dallas location by contacting the office on the website or by calling the office at (972) 490-1600.