As we start a new year and a new chapter, what better time to make positive changes to better our lives? Improving your overall health is a popular New Year’s resolution, but this year we encourage you to take it one step further and improve your dental health!
Flossing daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association, is an essential component of your dental care routine that is often skipped. However remembering to floss regularly has a host of benefits, including removing plaque that can cause tartar buildup and eventually lead to gum disease and cavities.
Although flossing only takes a few minutes and should be painless (when done correctly), many people fail to do so, because they find it challenging, run out of time, or simply because they forget.
It’s too hard! For those who skip this essential step due to difficulty, perhaps trying a different form of floss might be the solution. For example, people who suffer from limited dexterity in their hands and fingers may struggle with traditional string floss, but using a dental pick or pre-threaded flosser should make maneuvering between teeth much easier and more effective!
I am too tired! While most people do brush their teeth before retiring at night, taking the extra few minutes to floss at the end of a long day can just seem like too much effort! The important thing is that you floss once a day, but it does not matter what time of day you do it. So why not try making it part of your morning routine instead? Too rushed in the morning? What about brushing and flossing after lunch? The key is to find a convenient time every day, and then make it part of your regular routine.
Oops - I forgot … again! The hardest part of forming a new habit can sometimes just be remembering to do it. A few tried and true ways to get a new behavior to stick include:
- Visual Reminders: Write yourself a post-it note and stick it to the bathroom mirror
- Start Small: Committing to floss just one tooth at a time can be a less daunting task and therefore make it easier to integrate into your routine. Chances are once you get started you’ll go ahead and floss them all!
- Celebrate Success: Give yourself a gold star or even just a simple check mark on the calendar!
Taking the moment to acknowledge that you’ve ACCOMPLISHED your goal will encourage continued success!
From all of us at Roselle Park Dental, have a happy and healthy new year. Here's to a great 2015!!!
For more information about how to make flossing part of your daily routine, call Roselle Park Dental at (908) 998-4698 or visit www.roselleparkdental.com.
