Flossing is an important part of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, one that many people overlook. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of the American population over the age of 30 has some form of gum disease. Many people do not understand the link between proper flossing and the prevention of conditions like periodontitis. However, flossing is easy to incorporate into your routine, and leads to a wide range of benefits.

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Method #1: Floss Picks

Utilizing floss picks is one way to incorporate floss into your routine. They are one-time use plastic tools that have a little piece of floss strung tightly between two prongs for getting between teeth. Keeping a few of them in places you frequent throughout the week can remind you to floss whenever you see them.

Method #2: Keep Floss Everywhere

No matter if you prefer standard string floss or floss picks, both are convenient for storing in a variety of places. String floss and picks can fit into a bag or purse, and can be taken on the go for use at any point during the day. Some places that are ideal for flossing include:

• In The Shower – One method of making flossing a habit is to keep some on hand near the shower. This allows it to be integrated into a morning or evening routine.
• In The Car – Floss picks are great for cars. They can be used with one hand, allowing you to use them at stoplights or upon arrival at your destination.
• At Work – Whenever you need a small stretch break at work, take some string floss or a pick with you. Take the time to move your body, stretch, and floss.

Method #3: Utilize Technology

It can be easy to forget to floss if it isn’t an ingrained daily habit. For some, technology is the way to form a healthy flossing routine. Smartphones allow users to set alarms for any time and any reason. People who struggle with remembering to floss regularly can set a recurring alarm for the same time each day as a reminder. Over time, this habit can become instinctive.

Flossing is a vital part of an oral hygiene routine that often goes neglected. However, with some creative thinking and using resources available, flossing can be fit into your schedule with little effort. Contact our periodontist in Raleigh today for more information about flossing, how it can benefit you, and how you can incorporate it into your life.