Flossing your teeth plays an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy. However, many people struggle to maintain good flossing habits. Here are a few ways that you can make flossing easier.
Build Good Flossing Habits
Like any routine, maintaining a flossing habit requires consistency and persistence. The first step is to decide that flossing needs to be a regular habit. You should be flossing at least once a day, but you can start small if you find it hard to remember to floss. Start by picking one day a week to floss, then build up to every other day, then include it as part of your daily routine. Do it at the same time as some other habits (like brushing your teeth) to help yourself remember to do it and to stay on track.
Being prepared also helps. Make sure all of your flossing materials are ready at hand during the time you’ve chosen to floss. Keep any floss or flossing tools close to your other dental hygiene materials so you’re ready to floss when the time comes.
You should also reinforce good habits by rewarding yourself. Set yourself a goal to floss every day. When you hit that goal, choose a fun reward to incentivize you. Buy yourself a little gift whenever you reach your goal, or indulge in an activity you enjoy. Once you’ve met your initial goal, set a new goal (i.e. floss every day for a month) that’s more ambitious and has a higher reward. Having something to look forward to can help you stay focused on your goal.
Use Floss Picks
Some people find string floss to be difficult to use correctly. Floss picks are a small toothpick with dental floss strung at one end. This pre-constructed floss tool can make flossing preparation easier, and requires less technique to floss correctly. Floss picks are also easy to keep handy and use anywhere. Keep some floss picks in your purse, car, office desk, or other places close at hand. Always having a floss pick available makes it easier to floss any time that it’s convenient.
Try An Interdental Brush
An interdental brush is a small plastic pick with bristles that can fit in between the gaps in your teeth. The pick and bristles are designed to fit into the tight spaces that your toothbrush can’t reach. Interdental brushes can be a little easier to use that string floss, and many people prefer them to traditional flossing. These may be a good alternative to try if string floss just isn’t working for you.
Get A Water Flosser
A water flosser is an electronic device that pumps a small stream of water in between your teeth to remove plaque. Water flossers work by spraying a highly concentrated stream of water that pushes out debris – think of it as liquid floss. Some people find water flossers to be easier to use and more comfortable than using string floss.
You may have experienced a similar method of dental cleaning in your dentist’s office. Many manufacturers offer consumer-grade versions of a water pick, available over-the-counter at many pharmacies and big box stores.
Conclusion
Flossing may seem like a difficult pain, but it’s an essential part of your dental hygiene routine. Hopefully these tips will make flossing easier for you. We’ll see your nice clean teeth at your next dental appointment!