Do I Really Have to Floss?

RENEW Have to Floss? Do I Really

by Joshua Allen, DMD, Owner & Dentist, Keep Smiling Family Dentistry

Let’s face it, no one really likes to floss.

Maybe it’s just the thought of wrapping a tiny lasso around your fingers and maneuvering it between impossibly tight back teeth.

When you do manage to squeeze it through, the string inevitably shreds into a million pieces and you’ve lost all circulation to your fingertips.

On top of that, you’ve got what looks like a crime scene in your bathroom sink, hands that smell like a three-day old sandwich and future motivation washing down the drain.

Do we really need to subject ourselves to this? Do I really have to floss my teeth every day?

Quick answer: Only the ones you want to keep!

A majority of people hate to floss, according to major surveys. And consequently, 20% to 50% of the global population have some form of gum disease that is a leading cause of bad breath, receding gums and ultimately tooth loss.

So how can I convince you to make flossing a regular habit? Would you like to save more money and avoid unnecessary and preventable pain and discomfort in the future with just pennies a day and 1 minute of your time? It’s called cleaning the other 30% of your mouth your toothbrush doesn’t reach.

Did you know there’s more than one type of floss? There are many tools and tricks available to help make the whole flossing thing a little less tiresome. There are floss picks and handles that come in various lengths to access difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth. There’s also “super floss” that has a thick and spongy center for thorough cleaning and a slim firm end for gliding between tight spaces and underneath braces and bridgework.

A new gadget just released called Flaüs combines flossing with the power of a Sonicare toothbrush. There’s also my personal favorite, the Water Pik, which flushes the gums with a powerful stream of water.

Incorporating one or more of these quick and easy processes into your daily routine could not only save you potentially thousands of dollars over your lifetime, but also improve your overall health, well-being and quality of life.

It’s never too late to form a new habit, so grab your new favorite flossing aid and start your journey today toward a happier and healthier tomorrow!