If a Monkey Can Floss....

"Flossing is hard."  "Flossing hurts."  "Flossing takes too long."  "I can't remember to floss."   I've heard them all.  This video falls under the heading "so easy a monkey can do it." Leave it to a monkey to set a good example.....

Brushing and Flossing Should Be Like Frog and Toad: Friends

Since my last post was about teaching your children the importance of proper brushing, I would be remiss if I didn't follow it up with stressing the importance of flossing. Just like brushing, it should be done frequently and properly. Teach your kids to floss every time they brush.

Ideally, flossing should begin as soon as there are two teeth together.  Typically, children can begin to learn to floss by themselves starting at age two or three.

To help you, 1800DENTIST.com has a step-by-step flossing guide for kids. We're nice like that.

Only Floss the Teeth You Want to Keep

Brushing your teeth is good, but it won't necessarily remove food and plaque from between your teeth. Flossing your teeth will get this done. Floss can reach where your toothbrush can't. It is available in many varieties: waxed or unwaxed, thin or wide and flavored or unflavored.

As good as it is for you, it must be done carefully and gently.  Improper flossing can hurt your gums.  Ask your dentist to show you the proper way to floss.

It isn't a stretch to say that, in addition to saving your teeth, flossing can actually help save your life.  Reducing bacteria in your mouth means reducing the chances of bacteria getting to your heart and to the rest of your body. There are studies that show a link between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease.

Speaking of flavored dental floss, I thought I'd leave you with this. It is for those of you who want to remove the bacon from between your teeth without losing the flavor. It's not an endorsement, but I do support whatever gets you to floss....