You know you’re supposed to clean between your teeth. You may even have a container of floss sitting beside your toothbrush right now.
Actually remembering to use it every day? That’s another story.
If flossing is the part of your dental routine that never quite becomes a habit, here are a few ways to make it easier.
Stop Worrying About Doing it Perfectly
If your choices are flossing imperfectly or not flossing at all, start with imperfectly.
You don’t have to suddenly become someone who spends five meticulous minutes flossing every tooth before bed. Start by adding it to a routine you already have and work from there.
Consistency matters more than creating the perfect routine overnight.
Try Something Other than String Floss
Don’t like traditional floss? You have options.
Floss picks are quick and easy to keep handy. Interdental brushes can work especially well when there are larger spaces between teeth, and water flossers are another option for some people.
Different mouths need different tools, so ask your dental hygienist what would work best for you.
Make it Convenient
This sounds ridiculously simple, but don’t hide your floss in a drawer.
Keep it somewhere you’ll see it. Put floss picks beside your toothbrush, in your shower routine, or wherever you’re most likely to actually use them.
And flossing doesn’t have to happen right before bed. If you’re exhausted at 11 p.m. and that’s why you always skip it, do it earlier.
Attach it to Something You Already Do
Habits are easier to remember when they’re connected to something that’s already automatic.
Brush your teeth → clean between them.
Wash your face → floss.
Put the kids to bed → grab a floss pick.
The exact routine matters less than making it something you don’t have to remember from scratch every day.
Find What You’ll Actually Stick With
There isn’t much value in owning the “perfect” flossing tool if it sits untouched in your bathroom cabinet.
The goal is simply to clean the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Find a method that’s comfortable, easy enough to use and realistic for your routine.
Not convinced it’s worth the effort? Read "Flossing… Does It Even Matter?" for more about why cleaning between your teeth is important.
And if you’re not sure what to use, ask us at your next hygiene appointment. We would much rather help you find something that works than give you another lecture about flossing. Contact us today!
