The new year is coming fast, and the beginning of January is always a great time to develop healthy new habits. While resolving to exercise regularly or spend more time with the kids is probably an excellent idea, you should also consider committing to proper flossing habits. Here’s a quick guide to why flossing is necessary, how you can make it a habit, and how to do it properly.
Why Should I Floss?
Flossing is equally important to brushing when it comes to eliminating the plaque, food debris, and bacteria that lead to harmful oral infections. When used correctly, dental floss will clear harmful materials away from the small spaces between your teeth that brushing cannot reach. It will also stimulate the gums to keep them healthy and help fight infections. Neglecting to floss every day can lead to nasty oral infections like cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis and make costly restorative treatments necessary.
How Can I Start Flossing?
It can be difficult to develop a new habit, but being persistent can help you get used to flossing regularly. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when you are learning to floss daily:
- Be realistic: It may take some time for you to get used to flossing every day. Don’t get discouraged if you accidentally skip a session.
- Know the risks of not flossing: Neglecting to floss can lead to serious oral health consequences like gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss.
- A little bleeding is normal: Your gums may need a few sessions to get used to flossing, so don’t be scared if you bleed a little the first few times. As you get used to the routine, flossing should become perfectly comfortable.
How Should I Floss?
Flossing too hard can injure your gums and leave you vulnerable to oral injuries and infections. When you floss, cut a section of about eighteen inches from the pack. Then, hold about an inch of it taut between your hands and gently slide it between two teeth. Move the thread up and down and side to side against either tooth, carefully remove it, and move on to a clean inch of floss. Repeat this process on the next pair of teeth until all the spaces in your smile have been cleaned.
Don’t let the new year fly by without starting a few excellent new oral health habits. Your dentist will be happy to help you understand the necessity of flossing and how to do it properly.
About the Practice
Family Dental Center of East Texas offers the finest oral health services in the town of Center. Led by Drs. Youngblood and Martinez, the staff treats each patient with compassion, respect, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next checkup, contact the office on the web or dial (936) 427-9070.