Personal Experience

When I lived in Banff in 2009, I decided to go all-in on the "hippy lifestyle." One of those changes was to switch to some all-natural toothpaste, thinking it would be better for me. What I didn’t expect was for my gums to revolt. I was working at a pub/restaurant at the time, on my feet for hours every shift. Within a week, it felt like my gums were vibrating with pain, every step hurt so badly, one day I even had to leave work. I went to the dentist, and he didn’t sugarcoat it, I can tell you that. Sure, he said I needed yearly cleanings, but brushing every day wasn’t enough, maybe some can get away with it, not me. If I didn’t floss every day, this kind of pain would always be coming back. I never felt it before as I was using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

At first, I only flossed “more often” because let’s be real, the idea of doing it daily felt like such a drag. But there were a few things that kept me going: nice breath (so I didn’t smell like stale beer at work), saving money on dental bills, and, weirdly enough, coming to terms with my teeth. I have crooked teeth that I’ve hated forever, but flossing forced me to stare at them in the mirror. Day after day, after day… After a while, I started to be okay with what I saw.

It wasn’t like I suddenly fell in love with flossing, or my teeth for that matter. I still don’t enjoy flossing. So I started grabbing those little plastic yokies with the floss already attached, the ones with the toothpick on the end. Game, fucking, changer. The biodegradable ones make me feel even better about using them. These make flossing quicker and less annoying. Do I do it every day now? No, but I try. I leave a few yokies here and there, to remind me. My gums don’t shoot at me anymore, my breath doesn’t stink, (or I sure hope so) and I don’t avoid opening my mouth in front of mirrors like I used to. Turns out, flossing isn’t just about teeth, it’s about how you feel about yourself, crooked and all.

 

How to Keep It Up

Sticking to flossing isn’t easy for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be a chore either. With the right tools and mindset, you can make it part of your daily routine without giving it up halfway through the month.

• Use a Planner: Write down “floss” in your planner as part of your morning or nighttime routine. Seeing it on your schedule keeps you accountable. Maybe write it in bold, or crooked, hahahaha!
• Try Different Tools: From floss picks to water flossers, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Experiment until you find what works best for you. Start with the easiest cheapest option and upgrade if needed.
• Make It Quick: Keep floss picks in your bag or next to your TV remote. It’s easier to floss when it doesn’t feel like a full production.
• Pair It With a Habit: Floss while waiting for your coffee to brew or as part of your skincare routine.
• Set Small Goals: Start with every other day if daily feels overwhelming. Do the bottom in the morning and the top at night. Once you build momentum, aim for consistency.
• Track Your Progress: Use your planner to mark every day you floss. Watching the streak grow is motivating.
• Reward Yourself: Treat yourself to something small after a week of consistent flossing, it’s a win worth celebrating. Maybe no candies tho.
• Keep It Visible: If the floss isn’t in front of you, you’ll “forget.” Put it where you’ll see it, like by your toothbrush.
• Remember the Dentist Bill: That pain in your wallet (and gums) is a strong motivator to keep flossing.
• Remind Yourself Why: Nobody likes bad breath or bleeding gums. Do it for yourself and the people around you.

 

Abrasive Truth

“Flossing is boring” isn’t a reason, it’s an excuse. You have time to binge-watch your favourite shows but not to floss? Give me a fucking break. You’re not fooling anyone when your breath smells like a garbage truck. Handle your bullshit, grab some floss, and stop acting like bad breath is an original personality trait.

 

The Facts

Flossing Reduces Gum Disease: A study published in 2020 found that individuals aged 65 and older who flossed regularly had improved oral health, including reduced periodontal disease and caries, compared to non-flossers. (LINK)

Improves Bad Breath and Oral Hygiene: According to the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line where your toothbrush can't reach, leading to better removal of bad breath-causing particles. (LINK)

Saves Money on Dental Care: While specific studies quantifying cost savings are limited, maintaining good oral hygiene through regular flossing can prevent dental issues such as cavities and gum disease, potentially reducing the need for expensive treatments. (LINK)

 

Podcast

How to Improve Oral Health & Its Critical Role in Brain & Body Health