How Can I Maintain My New Year’s Resolution of Flossing More Often?

Do you cringe at the thought of your hygienist or dentist telling you to floss more often? There is only one solution, and it isn’t as difficult as many of us make it out to be. However, a lot of people still slack on their daily flossing. The New Year is a great time to make this change, but you will need to stick with it to see the benefits. Continue reading to learn from your dentist in Wethersfield why flossing is so important plus get some tips to maintain your New Year’s resolution.

Why Is Flossing Essential to a Healthy Smile?

Even though brushing twice a day goes a long way in keeping your smile in good health, it isn’t enough. There are certain areas of your mouth that your toothbrush cannot quite reach. That’s why dentists all over the world recommend that you floss at least once a day. This helps you to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline. When this isn’t removed, you are much more likely to develop tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Tips to Keep Your Flossing Momentum Rolling Through 2022

Even if you feel motivated now, the following tips may help you make your New Year’s resolution a reality:

• Set a realistic goal: You probably won’t go from no flossing to flossing daily. Try beginning with flossing twice a week and gradually increasing until you’re doing it daily. Commit to specific days ahead of time.
• Ask yourself why you don’t floss: If you are always exhausted when you get home at night, flossing may not be the number one thing on your mind. Set a reminder on your phone to go off right before bedtime or put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror. Don’t like flossing? Purchase a floss holder or disposable flossers to make the job easier.
• Remember the risks: If you don’t floss, you are much more likely to end up with periodontal disease. This can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is also linked to other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
• Don’t be surprised by bleeding: A lack of flossing usually means the gums are inflamed, so they may bleed the first few times you floss. This is normal and should stop after a few days. If not, you likely have gum disease and need to visit your dentist.
• Reward yourself: For every week or month that you floss without missing a day, allow yourself to have a little treat as a reward for your diligence.

As your Wethersfield dentist will tell you, it pays to keep up with your oral health. By taking steps like flossing every day, you will be able to show off a strong, healthy smile for many years to come. Best of luck with your New Year’s resolution!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut, and she takes continuing education courses each year to stay current regarding the ever-evolving dental industry. For Dr. Phadnis, it’s a priority to effectively communicate with her patients about their oral health so they feel comfortable and can confidently make decisions about treatments. She will be happy to extol the virtues of flossing during your next dental cleaning and exam. You can schedule an appointment on her website or by calling (860) 400-3007.