But actually.
Dental floss. That annoying little string that seems much more inconvenient than it ever actually proves to be. It's time to get flossing.
I confess, I'm guilty of not flossing nearly as much as I should. I do it when I remember, which is rarely, or when I stumble upon the tiny containers, after the dentist gives me a new one, or when I am reminded of the benefits of flossing. Now, understand, my teeth have been just fine. My dentist has yet to comment on my gums or accuse me of not flossing enough. However, I am no longer taking that to mean I'm in the clear.
Floss isn't just for getting that stubborn piece of food out from between your teeth. It's a habit that leads to health in other ways. Let's see how:
Dangers:
Benefits: PREVENT ALL THOSE THINGS!
Seems like a no-brainer, right?
This week, I dared myself to floss. Daily. I took out my little floss packs (like the easy-to-use picks above, or the string packs that my dentist gives me) and kept them in view near my toothbrush. Every night before brushing, I made a point of flossing my teeth first.
But how, you ask? Not sure you're doing it right? Follow this step-by-step slideshow or watch the following minute-long tutorial video:
So, I made friends with the little box of string. The first two times, my gums bled a bit. Not pretty, but it didn't really hurt, either. And then it was fine! My teeth and gums got used to it, and handling the long string of floss became less of a hassle. Like anything else, it's all about establishing a habit.
Did it make a huge difference in my life? No, not yet, but I like to think of what I'm preventing down the line. Plus, I like going to bed knowing my teeth and gums are squeaky clean!
I'm going to continue my flossing routine, and I dare you to begin or continue yours!
WebMD has a counterargument for every excuse, so NO EXCUSES! Find that hidden little box, put it in plain view by your toothbrush or any location you'll see it and use it daily, and simply begin the habit. It may take time and effort to start, but this is one habit that's worth getting used to. Take care of your health! Give your gums some attention. Floss.
Do you remember to floss every day?
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| I've been using Glide, but whatever you've got will do! |
Dental floss. That annoying little string that seems much more inconvenient than it ever actually proves to be. It's time to get flossing.
If you're perfect and floss daily, feel free to close the browser right now. But if you're like most of the people I've spoken to, stick around.
I confess, I'm guilty of not flossing nearly as much as I should. I do it when I remember, which is rarely, or when I stumble upon the tiny containers, after the dentist gives me a new one, or when I am reminded of the benefits of flossing. Now, understand, my teeth have been just fine. My dentist has yet to comment on my gums or accuse me of not flossing enough. However, I am no longer taking that to mean I'm in the clear.
 |
| These may make it easier? |
Floss isn't just for getting that stubborn piece of food out from between your teeth. It's a habit that leads to health in other ways. Let's see how:
Dangers:
- Plaque
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease (may trigger inflammation in the body)
- Tooth decay/cavities
- Bad breath
Benefits: PREVENT ALL THOSE THINGS!
Seems like a no-brainer, right?
This week, I dared myself to floss. Daily. I took out my little floss packs (like the easy-to-use picks above, or the string packs that my dentist gives me) and kept them in view near my toothbrush. Every night before brushing, I made a point of flossing my teeth first.
But how, you ask? Not sure you're doing it right? Follow this step-by-step slideshow or watch the following minute-long tutorial video:
So, I made friends with the little box of string. The first two times, my gums bled a bit. Not pretty, but it didn't really hurt, either. And then it was fine! My teeth and gums got used to it, and handling the long string of floss became less of a hassle. Like anything else, it's all about establishing a habit.
Did it make a huge difference in my life? No, not yet, but I like to think of what I'm preventing down the line. Plus, I like going to bed knowing my teeth and gums are squeaky clean!
I'm going to continue my flossing routine, and I dare you to begin or continue yours!
WebMD has a counterargument for every excuse, so NO EXCUSES! Find that hidden little box, put it in plain view by your toothbrush or any location you'll see it and use it daily, and simply begin the habit. It may take time and effort to start, but this is one habit that's worth getting used to. Take care of your health! Give your gums some attention. Floss.
Do you remember to floss every day?
I have gotten a lot better about this lately. I had ONE cavity growing up and none since until this past year I had 3! I was so annoyed! So flossing now more than ever!
ReplyDeleteOh woww ya! Good luck hope it helps :)
DeleteThose floss sticks are awesome! I used them for the very first time not long ago :)
ReplyDeleteI floss...every day :)
Very nice! And I agree -- the little sticks make it much easier and more comfortable.
DeleteGreat reminder! I look at the dental floss every day & probably only floss twice a week. Why is it so hard to just do it??
ReplyDeleteI actually love to floss and never miss a day! Seriously, it's amazing how bad it is to miss it. Great, fun post!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Amanda! Keep it up :)
Deletei love those floss pick things! they are awesome. I never floss though and I really should. I think if i left floss out in front of me at the mirror in the bathroom i would do it more!
ReplyDeleteYep, that's all I did: put my floss right by my toothbrush so I remember to floss at night before brushing. Dare you to ;)
Deletetwice a day
ReplyDeleteevery single :-)
That's because you're a rockstar. I'm interested how it might work in conjunction with oil pulling? hmm...
DeleteI know, I know... I confess, too. I have good intentions after my dental appt... start doing daily... then... something falls apart and the time between flossing grows... until I realize I have another dental exam coming up and I need to get flossing again! DOH!
ReplyDeleteHabit, habit, habit!
DeleteI floss maybe 5 times a year. I know, it's horrible and I should do it more!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Flossing is SUPER important. I actually just went to the dentist and we had a really long conversation about proper teeth care, because my dental insurance is about to expire next month. I've been flossing fairly regularly and brushing well, and they said that I was doing a good job. BUT that I should stop using the picks because they don't work as well as the regular floss.
ReplyDeleteI thought the picks were fine, but they made a good point... the picks are very straight, while regular floss is very pliable. It's much easier to get around all of the curves and corners surrounding your teeth with regular floss than the picks. I was definitely converted back over to the old-fashioned floss after that conversation!
Excellent point! That makes me glad, too, that I've been using the string floss. I've been trying to floss "properly", actually moving around the contours of the teeth like the video shows. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteHaha great post! And something that I could definitely afford to do a bit more often. Like you, the main problem for me is the actual act of REMEMBERING to floss. It's harder than it seems!
ReplyDeleteHey! I found your blog via the Greatist Ambassador list :) I love this post! I recently challenged myself to start flossing regularly, I was never very good at it, but I've been better. Thanks :)
ReplyDelete