Save Your Teeth & Your Health in Just One Minute a Day

If there was something you could do that took just one minute a day and would protect your teeth and your health, would you do it?

In case you haven’t guessed already – we are talking about flossing. 

We know it’s not a popular subject, but it is important. If you don’t floss, the areas between your teeth never get cleaned. Is there any other area of your body you never wash? Probably not.

Over time bacteria nest in those areas, building colonies that lead to infections and periodontal gum disease. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss and has been linked to major medical illnesses like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. At a minimum, the bacteria in your mouth will keep your immune system busy so that it isn’t as available for other challenges your body faces.

We know the flossing habit can be challenging to start and have some ideas that can help:

• Floss while you are doing something else you already do regularly – like taking a shower or watching TV.
• Remember you can floss anywhere. You don’t have to be at the bathroom sink.
• Make it meaningful, by picturing bacteria in your mouth or having to extract a tooth.
• Post fun or meaningful reminders where you will see them regularly.
• When you do floss, pay attention to what comes out on the floss – no one wants that in their mouth.
• Start small by flossing one tooth a day. The next day do two, then three, and so on. Soon you will be flossing them all.
• Make it automatic by attaching it to another habit already in place or making it a part of your bed time ritual.
• Remind yourself it only takes 1-2 minutes

And here is a little joke about flossing to help you remember how important it is: 

Patient: “I don’t have time to floss my teeth.”

Dentist: “OK. Just floss the ones you want to keep.”

If flossing is challenging for you, your dentist or dental hygienist can recommend tools or methods that make it easier. If you don’t already have a dentist you love, give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.

KN Dentistry (714) 633-2562  Orange CA