By: Jacob Maslow

We’ve all been there – sitting in the dentist’s chair, sheepishly nodding as we’re reminded of the importance of flossing. Yet, despite our premier intentions, many of us struggle to make it a daily habit. Fear not! This article will arm you with four clever tricks to help you remember to floss your teeth, transforming this often-neglected task into a seamless part of your routine.

1. The Shower Floss Revolution

Picture this: You’re in the shower, warm water cascading down, and you reach for… your floss? Yes, you read that right. Keeping floss in your shower can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

• You’re already in a cleaning mindset.
• The warm water softens your gums, making flossing more comfortable.
• It’s a perfect use of otherwise idle time.

Pro tip: Invest in a waterproof floss holder that suctions to your shower wall. It’s convenient, visible, and won’t get waterlogged like traditional floss containers.

2. The “No Phone Before Floss” Challenge

In our digital age, most of us instinctively reach for our phones first thing in the morning. Why not use this habit to your advantage? Try this:

• Place your phone in a small container each night.
• Put a piece of floss on top of your phone.
• Make a pact with yourself: no checking your phone until you’ve flossed.

This simple trick creates a physical reminder and leverages your existing habits. Soon, you’ll associate checking your phone with flossing, making it an automatic part of your morning routine.

3. The Floss-and-Reward System

Who says flossing can’t be fun? Create a reward system to make it more enticing:

• Use a habit-tracking app or a simple calendar.
• Mark each day you floss.
• Set milestone rewards (e.g., after 7 consecutive days, treat yourself to a small indulgence).

The key is to choose rewards that genuinely excite you. Maybe it’s allowing yourself 10 extra minutes of sleep, a favorite snack, or putting a dollar in a “treat yourself” jar. By associating flossing with positive outcomes, you’re training your brain to look forward to it.

4. The Two-Minute Tooth Tune-Up

Music has a magical way of making tasks more enjoyable. Create a dedicated two-minute “flossing playlist” with upbeat songs you love. Here’s how to make it work:

• Choose 2-3 short, energetic songs (aim for about 2 minutes total)
• Play this playlist every time you floss
• Challenge yourself to finish flossing before the music ends

Not only does this make flossing more fun, but it also aims you’re spending enough time on the task. As a bonus, you might find yourself looking forward to hearing your favorite tunes.

Remember, forming a new habit takes time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. With these four tricks up your sleeve, you’re well on your way to making flossing a natural part of your daily routine. Your dentist will be impressed, your gums will thank you, and you’ll be flashing that confident, healthy smile.

Which tip will you try first? Your journey to better oral health begins—enjoy flossing!

Published By: Aize Perez