If you frequently feel like you have bad breath even soon after brushing, it may be because you are skipping out on one important habit. Dental floss is the perfect tool for removing the plaque and food particles that your toothbrush just can’t reach — and that’s what causes bad breath. Your dentist in Jacksonville explains the importance of flossing below, as well as steps you can take to develop a flossing habit if you don’t have one yet.
Why Flossing Matters
People of all ages should floss at least one time daily, starting in childhood as soon as there are two teeth touching each other. Floss is important because it helps to clean between the tight and hard-to-reach spaces where plaque and bacteria are likely to build up. This helps to fight bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health hazards.
If you want some (unpleasant) proof that flossing works, take a whiff of the piece of floss the next time you have skipped a few days. It won’t smell pretty — and that’s what you are allowing to live in the crevices of your mouth when you skip this important habit.
Add Flossing to Your Routine
Often, people know they should floss regularly but find it difficult to remember to do so. If you would like to develop a flossing habit, try these tricks to make sure you do not forget it. Most people can pick up a habit after about two weeks — so it won’t be long before you feel incomplete without flossing at night.
- Put the dental floss somewhere you are sure to see it after brushing
- Leave yourself a note on the mirror to floss
- Ask your partner or family member to remind you to floss (and invite them to join you, too!)
- Set an alarm on your phone
- Keep track of the days you have flossed on a calendar
- Remember that, by fighting gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, you are doing something important for your oral and overall health when you floss!
Flossing: Part of the Oral Hygiene Triad
Of course, flossing is just one part of a complete oral hygiene routine. In addition to using dental floss daily, make sure you are brushing your teeth for two minutes at night and in the morning and visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning! When you do so, you can feel confident that you are doing everything you can to enjoy a clean, healthy, long-lasting smile.
Floss is important — but even if you’re not in the habit, you can easily pick it back up this month. It takes a little effort, but your oral health is worth it!
Meet the Practice
The Jacksonville Complete Dentistry team offers a complete list of services for friends and neighbors in our area. With a special emphasis on prevention and oral hygiene, they build all treatment plans with the same goal — achieving a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. To learn more about basic oral hygiene or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, contact your family dentist in Jacksonville by calling 904-645-6457 today.