The new year is quickly approaching, which means you’re thinking about the goals you’d like to accomplish in 2024. While you might plan to save money or eat out less often, don’t forget about your dental health. With your oral and general health closely connected, you can invest in your overall wellness with daily flossing. Remembering to floss every day can be difficult, but your gums rely on it. Here are a few tips to help you remember to floss before heading to bed.
Why is Flossing Important?
Your toothbrush is the most used item you have at home to keep your mouth healthy. Although it is effective in removing food residue and plaque, it can’t reach everywhere in your mouth. Up to 40% of your teeth surfaces can be left unclean. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque your toothbrush can’t reach. The American Dental Association recommends flossing every day to protect your mouth from gum disease.
Although gum disease is preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 50% of adults over the age of 30 have a form of the infection. Not only is it a leading cause of tooth loss, but it can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and many other health problems.
You can keep your gums healthy and support your wellness by making daily flossing part of your New Year’s resolutions.
Tips to Remember to Floss
It can take time to create new habits, like flossing every day. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
- Choose the Right Product: Flossing can feel like less of a chore if you choose the right product. As an alternative to traditional string floss, you can use dental flossers or a waterflosser.
- Create a Reminder: Set an alarm on your phone or put a Post-It note on your bathroom mirror to remind you to floss. Keep your dental floss in a visible area for another reminder.
- Carry Floss: Carry a pack of floss with you in your pocket. You can also keep some in your car or your desk at work to make it easy to keep your gums healthy when you aren’t at home.
Besides flossing, commit to brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll remove tartar and keep your teeth clean. Your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease to stop the infection in its tracks.
About Dr. Bikram Singh
Dr. Singh earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, like dental implants and sleep medicine. He is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (919) 230-8590.