Just Do It!

Let’s face it: flossing isn’t fun. But it doesn’t take much time, and the payoffs to your choppers can last a lifetime. Remind yourself of all the great reasons to floss:

Chew on this. Healthy gums keep your teeth in place and your smile beaming. Evidence shows that poor dental habits are linked to heart disease and other health problems, so there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe — especially when good oral hygiene has so many other benefits.

Breathe easy. If you’re self-conscious about bad breath, a nightly date with dental floss could help. Removing food debris reduces bacteria buildup that can cause the fire-breathing dragon to come out.

Don’t stop on red. If your gums bleed, it may be a sign of gingivitis, which means you should keep it up to improve or reverse the disease; you’ll notice less and less bleeding over time.

Start them young. Floss children’s teeth for them until they have the dexterity to do it themselves. An early habit is more likely to last.

For the best results, make sure you’re using proper technique. Talk to your dentist or check out instructions from the American Dental Hygienists’Association.