Retaining Resolutions: 3 Tips to Help You Floss More

Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their dental health, but your connective tissues are equally as significant. For instance, did you know that periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults?

Brushing your teeth both morning and night can prevent this and other oral issues, but if you don’t also floss, you’re only performing a partial cleaning. If you’ve resolved to floss more frequently this new year but are struggling to stick with it, continue reading to learn about 3 tips that might help you improve your daily hygiene routine!

Tip #1: Set Realistic Goals

If you’re like an estimated 31% to 48% of American adults, you are hoping to enhance your quality of life this year by setting a New Year’s resolution, such as flossing more. But if you don’t already include this step after brushing, it could take some time to include it in your regular regimen.

For example, some sources claim research has revealed that, on average, it takes about 66 days of repeated actions or behaviors to form a healthy habit. Consistency is key, but it’s important to remember that missing a session or two doesn’t completely derail your progress. If you’re feeling defeated or like you can’t keep up, you might start by setting easier-to-attain benchmarks, like flossing every morning rather than twice daily. This makes it easier to achieve your goals, which helps you feel successful in your efforts. Then, you can include evening flossing again once your daily routine is more established.

Tip #2: Don’t Be Discouraged

Have you noticed that your saliva has blood in it when you spit out your toothpaste, or do you taste iron in your mouth after brushing? Some patients worry this means they’ve been too hard on their gums, and wonder whether flossing might do more harm than good.

However, the truth is that your connective tissues are likely to bleed if you don’t regularly clear away plaque and bacteria. If residue forms along your connective tissues and remains unaddressed, it can result in a mild infection called gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. Therefore, flossing more regularly is the best way to strengthen your tissues and reduce potential bleeding.

Tip #3: Choose the Right Product

Do you avoid flossing because you have sensitive tissues and don’t like the way the string feels gliding against them? Or do you have mobility challenges that make it difficult to manipulate the glossy material around each tooth?

These concerns might prevent you from flossing regularly, but thankfully, many stores carry alternative solutions that can be easier to use. For instance, you might purchase a pack of flossers that are attached to a pick that can be used as a handle. You might also invest in an oral irrigator, which utilizes a pressurized stream of water to gently rinse away unwanted germs.

Hopefully, trying one or more of these methods can help you improve your twice-daily dental hygiene routine to protect and preserve your smile!

About the Practice

Patients at Randolph Dental Care benefit from a father-son dental team who are passionate about helping patients build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Drs. Glen and Zachary Goldstein share decades of combined experience and collaborate to deliver a complete menu of services, including routine preventive care, to people of all ages. They take the time to learn about your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver treatment plans customized to help you address them. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 895-7995.