5 Reasons To Make Flossing Your New Year’s Resolution
It’s a new year, and you’re probably thinking about goals to improve your health and well-being. While most resolutions focus on diet or exercise, there’s a smaller, easier habit that can have a huge impact on your overall health: daily flossing.
If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re missing an important step in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from places your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing issues like cavities and gum disease before they start.
Keep reading to learn more about why flossing deserves a spot on your resolution list—and how to get started.
- Flossing Protects Your Teeth
Skipping flossing allows plaque to build up between your teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this sticky biofilm can harden into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. Tartar buildup can lead to cavities, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss. Flossing daily keeps these hard-to-reach areas clean and prevents long-term damage.
- It Keeps Your Gums Healthy
Nearly half of U.S. adults over age 30 have some form of gum disease. The good news? Flossing is one of the simplest ways to protect your gums. By removing plaque from below the gumline, flossing helps prevent gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease—and keeps your gums healthy and pain-free.
- Flossing Fights Bad Breath
No one wants to start the year with bad breath. Flossing eliminates trapped food particles and bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach, leaving your mouth fresher and cleaner.
- It’s Good for Your Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health, with research suggesting that gum disease is connected to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Taking care of your teeth and gums with daily flossing is a small but important way to care for your whole body.
- It’s Simple and Effective
Flossing takes just a few minutes a day and makes a big difference in your oral health. Plus, with so many flossing options—like traditional floss, floss picks, and water flossers—you’re bound to find a method that works well for you.
How to Make Flossing a Habit
Here are some tips to help you start a successful flossing routine:
- Set a Routine: Floss at the same time each day, like before bed, so it becomes second nature.
- Use the Right Technique: Use 18 inches of floss, wrap it around your fingers, and gently slide it between your teeth with a sawing motion. Avoid snapping the floss to prevent gum irritation.
- Choose the Right Tools: From waxed floss to water flossers, there’s an option for everyone. If you’re unsure which to choose, we’d be happy to help at your next visit.
Make 2025 Your Healthiest Year Yet
This year, commit to a healthier smile with daily flossing. It’s a small resolution with big rewards! If you have questions about your flossing routine or want to schedule your next cleaning, we’re here for you. Reach out to our office located in Cincinnati, OH, and we’d be happy to help.
