To floss or not to floss

The best laid plans of mice and men…….

Flossing removes the food and debris that builds up between your teeth. Tooth brushing cleans the tops and sides of your teeth but it cannot reach between your teeth. The food and bacteria left in these spaces between your teeth cause gum disease and decay.

So how can you develop a good habit?

The Stanford psychologist B.J. Fogg on how he started his flossing habit is related to in the following excerpt:

For me, cracking the code on flossing was to put the floss right by the toothbrush, and to commit to myself that I would floss one tooth — only one tooth — every time after I brushed.

I could floss them all if I wanted to, but the commitment was just one tooth.

[This works] because I was training the behavior. Maybe once every few weeks, I’d only actually floss one tooth, but a majority of the time I’d end up flossing them all.

Professor Fogg’s decided that less intimidating micro-steps are the best way to initiate any good habit.

Studies have found that if you start flossing after brushing that you are more likely to keep it up. The Theory is that you are adding to an existing habit (i.e. brushing) thereby creating a sequence of events. Try and not sabotage yourself in those moments where you are tired and you think ‘AHH SCREW IT’. If you stop flossing consistently soon you stop all together. Try and make it easier to floss. Use tape (oral B is my favorite), make sure that it is beside you toothbrush and toothpaste. So maybe flossing might make your January resolution list!!