There is a high probability that you are not flossing as often as you should be. This is because we are so used to brushing our teeth, which we think does more than enough. However, your toothbrush can’t reach the food particles that get stuck in between your teeth.
When you floss your teeth, you get rid of such particles and reduce your chances of getting gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. Some people hate the idea of sticking their fingers in their mouth or feeling floss in between their teeth. However, it’s not impossible for you to make flossing a habit. Use the following tips to turn the action into a normal routine:
1. Create Reminders
If you don’t want to forget to floss your teeth, make it part of your daily routine. Remind yourself to floss at least twice daily. You can post small reminder notes on your refrigerator or the bathroom mirror.
Alternatively, you can just set reminders on your smartphone. This can be easier than posting notes because you are with your handset all the time.
You can also try to associate the act with something that you love doing. For example, if you take yoga breaks at work, you can floss your teeth before you begin the exercise. When you incorporate this act into a personal routine, it becomes much easier to remember because what you love doing triggers the action.
2. Don’t Make the Act Fixed
You don’t always need a bathroom mirror to floss your teeth. There are times when you might be too busy to even remember doing some of your routine habits. As a result, it’s advisable that you take the floss with you everywhere that you go. You can put it inside a nice protective bag and stash it in your wallet or purse.
That way, after you’re done with most of the things on your schedule, you can take out the floss and start working on your teeth as you relax.
In fact, you may actually find that you like doing it because it requires minimal effort. You just pass the floss in between your teeth, and you’re done with most of it.
3. Take it Easy on Yourself
You are not going to make this act a habit overnight. At first, you may feel as if the act uses up a lot of your time because you’re obliged to do it. As a result, you come up with all kinds of excuses just to avoid the ‘chore’.
Sometimes, you may be committed to flossing your teeth, but you forget because you had something else to do. Don’t get mad or quit because you’ve skipped a day. Instead, keep pushing yourself to become better every day.
You can use a reward system to make it easy for you to perform the act. Every time you floss your teeth, give yourself a treat – you can watch your favorite show or listen to a song that you love.
Final Thoughts
You should be patient with yourself as you try to learn to floss your teeth every day. You can also talk to a professional if you experience difficulties when you floss your teeth.
North View Dental has a friendly staff ready to assist you whenever you call them. You can send them an email with your questions or call them directly.
