Dental Advise |3 min read

5 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Floss Every Day

Mornings can be crazy. You’re jumping in the shower, rushing to pack the kids’ lunches, taking the dog for a walk along with a whole laundry list of other things to do. And, your nighttime routine is probably just as hectic, if not worse.

With so much going on, it’s easy to forget to floss. In fact, over 37% of Americans report less than daily flossing, and nearly a third (just over 32%) never floss their teeth.

While it’s a small task, flossing has a significant impact on your dental hygiene and your overall health. Follow these tips to turn flossing into a daily habit and ensure you’re giving your teeth the care they need every day.

1) Set an Alarm or Leave Yourself a Note

Try setting a reminder or an alarm on your phone to let you know when it’s time to floss. Or you could pin a note on your bathroom mirror. If one note doesn’t do the trick, place multiple notes on your nightstand, lamp, kitchen table or wherever else you may see them. Small reminders can jog your memory each and every day and help you keep your smile beautiful!

2) Keep Your Floss In Sight

It’s hard to forget to floss if you look at your floss dispenser every morning! Keep your floss container in a place where you’re bound to see it. That way, it will serve as a visual reminder to floss.

Try placing your floss dispenser on top of the sink instead of in a bathroom drawer. Or, place it somewhere your eyes are drawn to or right by your toothbrush and toothpaste, things you already use every day!

 

3) Make Flossing Part of Your Routine

Nearly everyone has a routine that they follow in the morning and at night. Introducing flossing into one of these routines will help you get into the habit of flossing once a day. If possible, try flossing at the same point in your morning or nighttime routine every single day. This may be a challenge when you have kids or a busy schedule, but do your best to stick to the same routine as often as possible.

4) Take the 21 Day Challenge

It takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so why not challenge yourself to floss once a day for 21 days straight (or for even longer!)? Hanging a calendar in your bathroom and crossing each day off is a satisfying way to keep your smile fresh and build a habit that will benefit your overall health.

5) Get to Know the Benefits of Flossing

There are a number of reasons why you should be flossing daily. Not only does flossing dislodge stubborn bits of food, but it also keeps plaque buildup in check and helps prevent gingivitis.

Read up on flossing benefits online or ask your dentist about what happens when you don’t floss. Your dentist will be able to share valuable information on the importance of flossing. Learning the facts might be the push you need to motivate yourself to floss every day!

 

By following these tips, you’ll turn flossing into a daily habit in no time. You’ll practice good dental hygiene and see noticeable improvements in your smile!

Along with flossing every day, scheduling regular visits to your dentist will help keep your smile happy and healthy!