Sample# 5: Transform your Dental Routine: 8 Easy Ways to Make Flossing a Regular Habit
Transform your Dental Routine: 8 Easy Ways to Make Flossing a Regular Habit
The guilt-ridden look on your face when your dentist asks if you've been flossing regularly. You may even say yes, though you know that pack of floss has yet to be looked at since you threw it in the medicine cabinet after your last visit to the dentist.
Admit it, we've all been there - frantically flossing in the bathroom before a dentist appointment, secretly hoping we can fool them into thinking we floss regularly. But let's face it, they can always tell!
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining overall health. According to this study, flossing, when done in conjunction with brushing teeth, showed a significant advantage in diminishing gingivitis.
This study mentioned that over 90 % of respondents were aware of the benefits of flossing to oral health; however, only 16% of the participants actually floss their teeth regularly.
We all know the age-old advice that flossing is crucial for keeping our pearly whites in tip-top shape. But why isn't it happening? Well believe it or not, a common barrier to flossing is not making it a regular part of an oral routine.
So, how on earth do we make flossing a part of our daily routine?
Most people will say it takes 21 days to form a habit, but this is a common misconception. According to this study, habits are actually formed closer to 66 days. So if you tried to floss for a few weeks and fell off the bandwagon, don't worry...you did not give yourself long enough. So keep pushing.
In this article, we will discuss eight easy ways to make flossing as easy as hitting the snooze button on a Monday morning.
1. Set a Reminder
If you want to make flossing a regular part of your routine, try it before brushing your teeth. This way, it becomes a habit tied to something you already do daily. You can also set a reminder on your phone to help you remember to floss at the same time every day. After a few weeks of doing this consistently, flossing will become second nature, and you won't even have to think about it.
2. Use an App to Track your Flossing
Using an app to remind you to floss can be a great way to establish a regular flossing routine. Popular flossing apps available include Quip and Floss Boss. These apps can send you daily nudges to floss, track your progress, and even provide helpful tips on how to floss more effectively.
3. Keep the Floss Where You Can See It
Keeping your floss where you can see it can be a practical way to remind yourself to floss regularly. That means digging it out from where it is buried in your vanity drawer and putting it in a visible location, like next to your toothbrush. This will make it easily accessible and serve as a visual cue to floss.
4. Chose the Right Flossing Tools
Did you know that many different types of dental floss are out there? You can choose from traditional waxed floss to floss picks and water flossers. For example, if you have tight spaces between your teeth, you may prefer a thinner floss, while a wider floss might be better for those with larger gaps. And if you're on the go, floss picks can be a convenient option.
At Medical Dental, our staff can help you choose the right floss.
5. Get an Accountability Partner
Sometimes we all need a little motivation to stick to a new habit. An accountability partner can help you stay on track with flossing regularly. This could be a friend or family member who shares your commitment to good oral health. By checking in and holding each other accountable, you can stay motivated and on the path to a healthier smile.
6. Carry Floss with You on Vacation
Picture this: You've finally committed to flossing regularly, but after a two-week vacation, you fall off the wagon. Don't let travel disrupt your newfound habit! Keep a pack of dental floss with you on your journeys to stay on track.
7. Use a Reward System
Who doesn't love a good reward? A reward system can be a fun and effective way to motivate yourself to floss regularly. Try setting up a simple reward system for yourself, like treating yourself to a special dessert or getting a manicure after you floss every day for a week. You could even make it a game and see how many consecutive days you can floss without missing a day. Remember, don't beat yourself up if you slip up and miss a day! Just get back on track the following day and keep flossing.
As the saying goes, floss like a boss - and treat yourself like one too!
8. Keep your Bathroom Stocked
Be sure to keep enough floss stocked at home to maintain a regular flossing routine. You can also buy floss in bulk and set a reminder to restock every few months, so you always have enough on hand. This will help you avoid interrupting your flossing routine and falling off track.
We all know that forming a new habit takes time, but with a few simple strategies, you can develop a healthy flossing routine that won't require much effort. By flossing and brushing regularly, you're taking a significant step toward achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. But it doesn't stop there - regular dental check-ups are also vital to keeping your smile healthy and happy.
That's why we recommend booking your next oral check-up with Medical Dental. We can provide expert advice on how to properly floss, ensuring that you're taking the best care of your teeth and gums.
So what are you waiting for? Call Medical Dental at 555 123 4567 today and take a step toward a healthier, happier smile!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6478368/#:~:text=Flossing%20to%20reduce%20gum%20disease,eventually%20contribute%20to%20tooth%20loss
https://jdh.adha.org/content/jdenthyg/96/3/46.full.pdf
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/FullText/2020/07000/Making_Health_a_Habit.11.aspx