Flossing Is Important – Here’s How to Make It Easier

If you don’t floss every day or even if you never floss, you’re not alone.

According to some recent studies, more than half of U.S. adults don’t floss every day, and as many as 10 percent don’t floss at all. While there may be comfort in knowing you’re not the only one, comfort won’t save your teeth from potential harm.

Don’t fret, though. We’ve put together a few suggestions here to make flossing a bit easier. First, know that every little bit counts. Expert opinions vary on how much time is a good amount of time to floss conventional wisdom is that it should take a few minutes. But even if you only do it for 30 seconds or a minute, you’ll be doing more for your mouth than if you just left it alone.

Try a non-traditional flossing method. A lot of people have sensitive gag reflexes, which can make flossing with two hands difficult. Fortunately, there are a lot of devices on the market designed to make the process easier. Try a floss holder, which is a slingshot-shaped piece of plastic that allows you to floss one-handed. One-time use disposable versions are also available. Alternately, you can try soft picks or the rubber nubs that are at the ends of some toothbrushes.

Do it every day. That may sound the exact opposite of easy, but if you’re problem with flossing is pain, it’s probably because you’re not doing it often enough. Bleeding, aching gums are a sign that you need to floss more, so power through the pain at first, and you should be feeling better within about a week or so.