We all know that flossing is an essential step to good oral hygiene. Along with regular brushing and cleanings at our Allison Park dental office, flossing is crucial to preventing gum disease and tooth decay that can lead to a whole host of other serious health problems. For many of us, this knowledge is just not enough to create the habit, however.
By following the steps below, forming a flossing habit should be easy. This will put you on the road to better oral hygiene, improving your total health.
- Pick a cue: Connect the act of flossing to some other habit you already have developed. By associating your new habit with an existing one, you reinforce the behavior on a subconscious level.
- Make a visual reminder: Set up something visual to remind you. This can be as simple as keeping your floss right next to your toothbrush where you will see it. A post-it note on your bathroom mirror could work just as well.
- Start small: If you avoid flossing because it seems like a chore or a hassle, try flossing just one tooth. It might sound silly, but it is much easier to floss two teeth the next day, working your way up to flossing your whole mouth.
- Enjoy: Especially if flossing seems unpleasant or boring, focus on the positive aspects. By changing your thoughts about flossing, you can make it a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
- Make an appointment with yourself: Keep a tally of every time you floss on your calendar. Watching the checkmarks pile up can be fun, and after no time you’ll see that you’ve created a habit.
Please contact Dentonics using the form at the right side of the page or call 412-487-6910 today to schedule a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. We serve patients in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
