Periodontist in Savannah: Yes, Flossing Still Matters

As your periodontist in Savannah, Dr. Turner and our team see a lot of smiles. That’s why last month’s news that the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture had removed flossing from their Dietary Guidelines came as a (frustrating) surprise to us at Savannah Periodontics. We encounter the side effects of poor dental hygiene firsthand — and we know that flossing is a crucial part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve given up flossing based on the recent news, or if the no-floss firestorm just strengthened your resolve against flossing, we’ve got one thing to say: flossing still matters.

Healthy Gums Need Dental Floss

No matter how often or how well you brush your teeth, there are still areas in your mouth that the toothbrush just can’t reach. Like between the teeth. It only takes about two minutes to floss as recommended every day — and the benefits are well worth the investment in time.

By removing food particles and bacteria between the teeth, flossing keeps your gums healthy and reduces your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. The condition affects more than half of American adults, and left untreated, it has serious repercussions for your overall health. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions have been linked to gum disease. Its prevention (and treatment) are crucial for general well-being — and dental floss helps.

How to Start a Flossing Habit

Fortunately, we know a lot of people still believe in flossing, and they want to floss, but… they just can’t seem to remember to do it at night. So how can you get into a flossing routine? Here are some tips for getting started with flossing.

1. Start by simply committing to the habit. Remind yourself of the health conditions linked to gum disease, and decide that you won’t go to bed without cleaning between your teeth. Sometimes, believing you will floss is half the battle.
2. Then, encourage flossing by triggering the habit in the evening (or in the morning, if you wish). Place the dental floss somewhere you’re sure to see it. When you see the dental floss, that’s your trigger. Use it. If that still doesn’t work, try leaving a note on your bathroom mirror.
3. Enjoy the rewards. You’ll be less likely to maintain your flossing habit if you think of it as something boring or unpleasant. Instead, try enjoying the act of cleaning your teeth — and then reaping the benefits of clean, healthy teeth and gums.
4. Keep track of how much you’ve flossed. You may not notice the rewards of flossing right at first. By keeping a record of the days you’ve flossed (like with a note on your calendar), you’ll get to see your progress, and it’ll feel good.

Remember that flossing is just one part of a good dental hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and visiting your dentist as recommended every six months are necessary for a healthy smile.