4 Tips to Encourage Regular Flossing

Is one of your new year’s resolutions to improve your health? An easy way to do this is to start flossing regularly if you don’t already. Flossing doesn’t just remove bits of food and plaque from your teeth. It can also help keep your gums free of dangerous bacteria that could cause gum disease. Gum disease can hurt more than just your gums; it can also cause tooth loss, bone loss, and has been linked to numerous medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Here’s how you can get started on a flossing routine and safeguard your oral and overall health in 2025.

Getting Motivated

When getting started on a flossing routine, it’s important to ask yourself why you’re not flossing already. If you’re avoiding it because you’re too tired at night, set yourself a timer so you don’t forget to do it earlier. If it’s because you don’t like it, experiment with different ways to floss, like disposable flossers, floss holders, or a water flosser. While water flossers aren’t as good as string floss, you can eventually work up to string once you establish a routine.

Set Realistic Goals

It can be a big ask to go from not flossing to doing it every single day, so don’t force yourself to be perfect. Ease into your new routine by setting a realistic goal like twice a week. Once you get the hang of your schedule, you can add more days until you’re at all seven.

Be Aware of the Risks

Be sure you know the risks of not flossing your teeth. This will make it easier to encourage yourself to do it regularly. After all, nobody wants to lose their teeth!

Don’t Give Up

Often when patients begin flossing again, their gums will bleed for the first week or so. This doesn’t mean you should stop, though. Just keep going and it will eventually subside. If it doesn’t, this could be an indication of gum disease and a sign to reach out to your dentist for further assistance.

Remember, flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine, and an excellent way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and a variety of other serious illnesses. If you’re ready to start 2025 off right and improve your oral and overall health, it’s time to get flossing!

About Dr. Castleberry

Dr. Darrick Castleberry is one of the top cosmetic and restorative dentists in Texas. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Greater Houston Dental Society, National Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Gulf State Dental Society, and the Charles A. George Dental Society. He is also an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and has earned Fellowship status in The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Dr. Castleberry is a continuing scholar at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies.

To schedule an appointment for your biannual exam and cleaning at The Castleberry Center, please visit our website or call us today at 281-971-3440.