A new year has arrived replete with opportunities for self-improvement. Many people resolve to improve their physical fitness by drinking more water or visiting the gym every day but continue to neglect their mouths. Even if you brush consistently twice a day, you’re still at risk of developing gum disease. That means if you aren’t a regular flosser, now’s the perfect time to start! If you’re worried that you’ll have a hard time sticking with it, keep reading for 3 tips to help you keep up with this healthy hygiene habit.
Tip #1: Set a Reminder
There’s probably plenty on your mind, and your to-do list, with school and work picking back up after the holidays. It’s easy to forget small parts of your routine, especially if they aren’t already well-established. When you’re in a hurry to get out the door in the morning or nearly too tired to stand up after a long day, you might feel tempted to skip parts of your daily dental care practice, like flossing.
To help yourself remember, try setting an alarm on your phone or writing a note to yourself and sticking it to your bathroom mirror. Then, once you’ve grown accustomed to incorporating this step into your regimen, you may find that you no longer need the reminder.
Tip #2: Find a Method That Works for You
Many people have challenges with traditional floss. The slippery string can be hard to grasp to angle it properly around your teeth and remove unwanted bacteria. Fortunately, there are several alternatives you can select from that might suit you better. Perhaps you find that you prefer a water flosser, for example, which shoots jets of water between the teeth, or a pick that has a bit of floss attached to the end. You’ll be more likely to keep it up if you’re using a product that you feel comfortable with.
Tip #3: Visit Your Dentist
If you avoid cleaning below your gumline because your floss falls apart while you use it or you experience pain and bleeding, then you should schedule a checkup with your dentist. It’s possible to have a hidden cavity that’s shredding the string or gum disease that’s causing infection and discomfort. If that’s the case, the problem won’t go away on its own and you’ll need professional help to repair the damage. Your dentist will mend any areas of concern and work with you to ensure you know how to properly brush and floss your teeth to prevent a repeat occurrence.
By resolving to floss every day, you’ll be setting yourself up for dental success in the new year!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, you and the entire family benefit from three dentists who work together to provide a full range of oral care services, including periodontal therapies. They take their time to get to know their patients to better assist them in meeting their dental goals. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, they can provide effective, expedited treatments like scaling and root planing and soft tissue laser therapy in addition to antibiotics to remedy gum disease. If you’re concerned that you’ve developed an issue, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (219) 663-6878.