{"id":417,"date":"2024-01-04T07:01:12","date_gmt":"2024-01-04T07:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.benchmarkfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=417"},"modified":"2024-01-18T07:02:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T07:02:23","slug":"make-flossing-a-new-years-resolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.benchmarkfamilydental.com\/blog\/make-flossing-a-new-years-resolution\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Floss More Often as a New Year\u2019s Resolution"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s January again, so you know what that means \u2013 New Year\u2019s resolutions! You\u2019ve likely already put major goals on your 2024 calendar. Among these priorities, though, have you considered oral health? You could always make flossing a New Year\u2019s resolution. If you follow through with it, the habit will greatly improve your teeth and gums<\/a>. Luckily, your Copperas Cove dentist can make the goal possible. Here\u2019s a primer on flossing and how to stick to it as a resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Bother with Flossing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

True, flossing can sound dull as a New Year\u2019s resolution. It doesn\u2019t inspire the same thrill as (say) weight loss or career boosts. However, the habit is crucial to your long-term oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you didn\u2019t know, a toothbrush alone can\u2019t keep your mouth healthy. It won\u2019t stop plaque buildup in certain hard-to-reach places. That said, flossing can pick up the slack. Dental floss can get between teeth and remove tricky bacteria and plaque. From there, you\u2019ll have a lower risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Steps to Correct Flossing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are flossing year-round, you should know how to floss well. The practice won\u2019t boost your oral health otherwise. So, then, remember to follow the steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. First, break off 18 inches of floss and wind it around one of your middle fingers. You should then knit the rest around the same finger of the opposite hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. While holding it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, guide the floss between your teeth. Use a gentle rubbing motion, and don\u2019t snap the floss into the gums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C against the tooth. Next, gently slide it between the gum and the tooth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Rub the floss against the sides of your tooth, moving it away from the gum with up and down motions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How to Make Flossing a Habit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are several ways to develop a flossing habit. Notable tips include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n