Everyone knows the importance of flossing — it helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. But the American Dental Association reports that only 4 in 10 Americans floss at least once per day as recommended. Why? One of the most common reasons patients give for not flossing is that they simply forget. Setting reminders to floss can help you achieve a brighter smile, fresher breath, and a gold star from your dentist.
Text2Floss
Flossing? There’s an app for that. In today’s high-tech world there is an app for almost everything, and flossing is no exception. Text2Floss offers text message reminders and its flossing timer lets you listen to music while you improve your oral hygiene. Alternatively, set an alarm on your smartphone to remind you to floss once a day.
Flosstime
Try Flosstime. This smart floss dispenser attaches to your bathroom mirror. If used regularly, it lights up with a blue smile. Forget to floss for 24 hours and Flosstime will light up with an orange frown to remind you.
Flosstime also has kid-friendly covers to help children develop good flossing habits.
Take Floss with you Everywhere you Go
Keep it handy. You’ll be more likely to use floss if you see it often. Leave floss out on the bathroom counter, on the nightstand, next to the remote control–wherever you will see it. Floss picks are available in to-go packs that can be stashed nearly anywhere from your purse to your car to your desk.
Use Hand-Written Notes
Visual reminders. Write a reminder with a dry-erase marker or lipstick on your bathroom mirror. If all else fails, look in the mirror and smile. Remind yourself that you only have to floss the teeth you want to keep!
At Growing Smiles Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we care about the oral health of you and your whole family. Is it time for your twice-a-year teeth cleaning? Schedule an appointment today, simply give us a call or book an appointment online!