With vacations, busy schedules, barbecues, and extra treats during the summer months, many people forget, or are too exhausted from the day, to floss at night. Flossing keeps gums healthy and prevents such gum infections as gingivitis. According to the American Dental Association, only four out of 10 Americans floss at least once a day—and 20% never floss at all.
To create healthy habits that promote a healthy smile, you need to keep your flossing routine consistent. Here are some helpful tips from Dakota Dental to ensure you don’t forget to take care of your teeth this summer.
Set a Reminder:
Setting a reminder on your phone in the morning or evening will help you establish a good oral health routine. Another way to try and remind yourself to floss is by wrapping a piece of floss around your toothbrush after each morning brush. That way you’ll remember to use the floss at night before you go to bed.
Make Brushing a Family Event:
To ensure your kids are also maintaining habits that promote healthy teeth, make it a group activity. If you have younger children, brush your teeth alongside them to show your kids that you brush and floss your teeth, too.
Try Different Kinds of Floss:
Try a mint-flavored floss or a smooth floss to see if that makes regular flossing more enjoyable. There are also flossing picks available that may make flossing easier, too.
Track Your Progress:
If you are a competitive person, setting up a goal chart to floss every day just may be the motivation you need! You could even make a chart to have everyone in the family track their progress and see who can consistently floss every day. First person to floss every day for a month gets a prize!
For more preventative dental care tips and ideas, talk to the family dentists at Dakota Dental. The staff at Dakota Dental can answer any questions you and your family may have about the importance of dental health. Contact Dakota Dental today for more information or to make an appointment!