How to Commit to Flossing as a New Year’s Resolution

When the new year begins, most people’s teeth are probably still reeling from the holiday season. That makes January an important time to reconsider oral health.

If you aren’t already, a great thing to try in the new year is flossing every day. There’s no better way to remove plaque buildup, which can go a long way toward preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Here’s what you can try to stick to a flossing habit in the new year.

Remind Yourself

When you’re trying to take on a new habit, it can be difficult to even remember to incorporate it into your daily routine. In the beginning, it can be helpful to remind yourself again and again until the habit sticks.

There are plenty of apps and timers you can download that can remind you to take care of your teeth. If you’d prefer, strategically placed sticky notes can be equally helpful in holding you to flossing. Finally, keeping your dental floss in plain view can make remembering to do it much easier; you might try keeping it on your bathroom counter, or wherever you’d be likely to see it when you’d want to floss.

Remember Its Importance

Staying motivated is the best way to remain on track, and remembering why flossing is so important is a great motivator.

It’s estimated that over 50% of American adults have some form of gum disease. Bacterial buildup in between the teeth is one of the leading causes of these infections, and those can’t be adequately addressed by brushing alone. Flossing before you brush, at least once a day, is the best way to prevent the growth of gum disease.

Try A Different Tactic

If you’re really having trouble with flossing, it might be worth thinking about the way you’re approaching it. Many people struggle to floss at the end of the day when they’re the most tired. There’s no wrong time to floss, so you might instead find a more convenient moment.

You might also try using alternatives like interdental brushes or oral irrigators. These are easier to use than floss and can provide equally good results.

About Our Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we want to serve your family’s smile throughout their entire life. We have a team of incredibly qualified and experienced specialists, so we can address a wide variety of issues for patients of all ages. And with twelve locations all across Texas, we are more than willing to meet you where you are.

If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth, we can be reached at our website. You can also call our North Dallas office at (972) 490-1600.