Over the years, you may have adopted an unhealthy habit or two, like not flossing consistently. Fortunately, the new year (and a blank slate!) is just around the corner! To set yourself up for success, here are three tips that will help you stick to your resolution to floss more.
Why Flossing Is So Important
Having a powerful “why” can help you remain committed to your goal, especially in moments where motivation is fleeting. The reason flossing is so important is that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth. To remove plaque, food particles, and other debris from along your gumline and between your teeth, you need to floss. Implementing this simple, but crucial, oral hygiene habit into your routine will dramatically reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which benefits both your smile and your wallet.
3 Tips That Will Make Flossing Consistently Easy
If you’ve had difficulty making flossing a part of your daily routine before, try:
- Buying a different type of floss – If you are still using a strand of floss, then that may be the problem! Ask your dentist about other tools you can use, like a Waterpik.
- Putting a sticky note on your bathroom mirror – Something as simple as a physical reminder can go a long way in helping you develop a new habit.
- Creating an on-the-go dental care kit – If you work in an office, you enjoy going out to dinner with friends, or you travel a lot, keep a pack of floss with you to make flossing easy on the go!
5 Additional Habits to Adopt in 2025
Flossing each night before you go to bed or each morning when you wake up is a great habit to adopt. While you’re taking a look at your oral hygiene regimen and seeing where improvements can be made, consider incorporating these best practices into your routine as well:
- Brushing for two full minutes
- Replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every quarter
- Cleaning your toothbrush holder as needed
- Rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash
- Scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
About the Practice
Our team at Infinity Dental Care provides a wide range of restorative dental services so you always have somewhere to turn if you’re dealing with a toothache, pain when biting down, swollen gums, or something similar. We also prioritize preventive care to help prevent symptoms like these (and the underlying problems) from arising. Since we offer appointments as early as 8 AM, we welcome dental insurance, and we treat patients of all ages, it’s never been more convenient to keep you and your loved ones’ smiles healthy too! To schedule an appointment with us, visit our website or call (503) 352-5116.