Now that it’s 2023, you’ve likely formed some New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe they’re goals like “learn a new language,” “lose weight,” or even “get a promotion at work!” That said, you may want to add “floss more often” to this list of aspirations. Doing so would give a serious boost to your oral health. As for managing that task, let your local Corbin dentist help out. Here is a summary of why flossing is crucial, how to do it correctly, and how to make it a habit.
Why Floss at All?
At first glance, you might not view flossing as a worthy resolution. After all, many people think a toothbrush is enough for oral care. However, there’s more to floss than you’d think.
You see, the truth is that daily brushing isn’t enough for healthy teeth. The practice can’t cover some hard-to-reach areas, so it doesn’t stop all plaque buildup. Meanwhile, floss can rid those areas of bacteria and food bits. It thus lowers your risk for cavities, gum disease, and worse.
How Do You Floss Correctly?
Interestingly, flossing requires proper technique to be effective. To get good results, then, remember to use the following steps:
- Break off some floss and wind it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remainder around the same finger of the opposite hand.
- While being careful not to snap it into the gums, guide the floss between your teeth.
- Curve the floss into a C shape and slide it between the gum and tooth.
- Rub the floss against the sides of your tooth, moving it away from the gum with up and down motions.
- Repeat steps one through four on the other teeth.
How Do You Make It a Habit?
You could take various approaches to make flossing a habit. Some of them are:
- Creating a Cue: Create a simple cue that will remind you to floss — an alarm on your phone, a sticky note on your bathroom mirror, etc.
- Picking the Right Tool: Besides regular floss, other flossing tools can help you. Invest in floss picks or a Waterpik to stay consistent.
- Taking Floss with You: If you’re always on the go, or have a hectic morning routine, pack a floss container in your bag or desk drawer at work. That way, you can floss if you forget to do so at home.
As you can see, flossing could do your oral health a lot of good this year. Therefore, use the tips above, so it becomes a successful resolution!
About the Practice
Corbin Family Dental Care is based in Corbin, KY. As led by Dr. Katherine Whitaker, our practice features friendly and effective dental care. In particular, we perform customized treatments that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency procedures. Our office is also a certified provider of dental sedation and periodontal therapy. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (301)-871-6660.