Dental Care at Home
If It's Convenient, They Will Floss
Two out of three American adults don't floss regularly, despite the fact that it's the only way to prevent gum disease. If you're the one of the trio who does, congratulations! You're going a long way to improve not only your oral health, but your overall health. But, if you are among the flossing-averse, here are a few tips to make it more convenient, more pleasant, and hopefully, more of a daily habit:
Buy four rolls of floss. Keep one in your purse (or in your desk), one in your bathroom, one in the room where you watch television, and one on your bed. But don't tuck them in a drawer, at least not until flossing's a habit. You'll need the visual reminder. Flossing after each meal is ideal, but not realistic for most people. If you can only deal with flossing once a day, do it before bed. When you sleep, less saliva is produced, allowing plaque bacteria a chance to gain a foothold. Don't postpone flossing until just before bed, though. If you're sleepy, it's just too easy to blow it off. Floss while you are watching TV, listening to music or reading the classifieds. (Can you say "multi-tasking?") Reward yourself for flossing regularly! Set a goal to floss every day for two weeks. Then, after you've reached that goal, go buy yourself that new gadget or piece of clothing you've had your eye on. After all, you'll save way more than that in periodontal therapy bills!