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How to Make Flossing a Habit in 3 Easy Steps

We all know flossing is important, yet many of us skip this key practice during our daily oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, ignoring this vital part of your health regimen can have painful consequences for your teeth down the line.

If you need help flossing or with your biannual dental cleanings, reach out to the top Hollywood dentist, GLO Modern Dentistry today!

Importance of Flossing

The American Dental Association considers flossing to be a key part of preserving your oral health. Floss or other interdental cleaners, such as a water flosser, reach the spaces that your toothbrush can’t, removing bacteria and plaque to protect your mouth from periodontal disease.
Without flossing, the spaces in between your teeth, especially towards the gum-line, will eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria. As you eat and drink throughout the day, foreign bacteria and sugars are introduced into your mouth.

In a two-fold attack, these bacteria have the ability to simultaneously create cavities and the infections associated with gum disease. In a vicious cycle, bacteria in your mouth consume sugars from the food you’ve ingested and produces an acidic by-product. This by-product wears down your enamel and eventually bores into your teeth, resulting in those fun cavities we’re all too familiar with.

If left alone, those same bacteria will replicate and eventually infect your gums, causing swelling and irritation as well as gum recession. The recession of the gums exposes the roots of your teeth over time, making them increasingly vulnerable. The whole point of brushing and flossing is to stop this cycle before it starts.

What should my daily routine look like?

The American Dental Association encourages people to brush after every meal; although, you should wait approximately thirty minutes to brush your teeth after drinking something acidic such as lemonade or red wine. The acids in those drinks temporarily weaken the enamel, so brushing while they are still active could cause damage.

By contrast, they recommend flossing only once a day. It doesn’t matter when you choose to do it. It doesn’t matter whether you brush or floss first. All that matters is that you do it once a day to make sure plaque and bacteria are removed from between the teeth and away from the gum-line.

How should I floss?

Mouth Healthy provides a comprehensive guide to flossing that is broken down into five easy steps.

  1. Take approximately 18 inches of floss. It seems like a lot, but you have a lot of territories to cover. Once you have your floss, twist it around the tip of the middle finger on your non-dominant hand and then the dominant one.
  2. Hold the part of the floss you’re currently using between your thumb and forefinger on either side.
  3. Pull the floss up between your teeth using “a gentle rubbing motion.” The ADA warns that you should never “snap” the floss up into your gum-line.
  4. At the gum line, pull the floss into a C shape around the tooth and gently follow the gum-line up and around towards the root.
  5. As the last step, gently rub the tooth with the floss as you move away from the gum-line and onto the next tooth.

How to make flossing a habit?

Remembering to floss is one of the biggest hurdles people face when it isn’t already a habit. Here are three super easy things you can do to make flossing a habit.

  1. Keep floss everywhere. It may seem weird, but stashing floss in your bathroom, your car, and your work desk is a great way to make sure you floss every day. Even if you forget first thing in the morning, you can essentially floss at any point during the day since you have constant access to it. Just don’t floss at your desk.
  2. Put a sticky note on your mirror or your toothpaste. Keeping a note where you brush your teeth is a quick and easy way to remind yourself to floss on a daily basis. You don’t even have to write anything on it, you just need something there to trigger the action.
  3. Find a comfortable floss. You may have to try a few different brands, but if your teeth are tightly organized, then you may need a thinner floss to make the process more comfortable for you. If flossing continues to be uncomfortable, talk to your local dentist at GLO Modern Dental about types of floss, water flossers, and techniques to help you make flossing a comfortable part of your daily routine.
Corbin Coyle
Corbin Coyle
1701736117
Staff is amazingly friendly and they have the top tools for everything your teeth may need
Natalie Callaghan
Natalie Callaghan
1701731174
I found Dr. Kalasho a few years ago, and have been going to see her ever since. Everyone at her office is helpful and professional, from the front desk staff, to the dental hygienists. The office is exceptionally clean and feels like a spa. It's the most relaxed I've ever felt having a tooth filled. They're always up front about the cost of any procedure, and will take time talking to you about their recommendations. You really can't beat this level of care, and they take insurance!
Susan Rimel
Susan Rimel
1701720235
What an amazing office! Like most people the dentist isn’t a fun place but I had no hesitation making my next appointment. The ladies are so friendly and make sure you’re comfortable (headphone or TV!) and knowledgeable through the entire process.
Kareema Thomas
Kareema Thomas
1701464331
I have been to Dr. Kalasho’s office now three times and every time is a pleasant experience. From the front desk staff, to Nora my dental hygienist, to the wonderful staff of doctors - this place always makes me feel comfortable when it comes to my dental health. Nora and staff always go above and beyond to ensure I understand my treatment plan and provide options when considering my goals. More importantly they are incredibly professional and very easy to talk to. This will always be my preferred dental office so long as I live in Los Angeles.
Katherine Rivas
Katherine Rivas
1701449064
Always have a positive experience at Tru Glo! Great at answering questions and working with your schedule where possible. Really appreciate all the kind staff and expertise knowledge here, along with comprehensive services.
Aram Brown
Aram Brown
1701286572
best place ever! so chic and best hygienist!
Arash Safavi
Arash Safavi
1701214450
Brittany and Dr. Yalda are the dream team! Chipped my tooth and they got me in and took care of it ASAP. Perfect shade match. Only complaint, hard to keep my mouth open when they’re making me laugh. 100% recommend!
Basma Khalid
Basma Khalid
1701211086
I love the experience here, so helpful and informative. The whole staff was great 👍🏻
Erica Connor
Erica Connor
1701199463
Great dental experience and staff! Highly recommend this dental practice.
Jacob Kirby
Jacob Kirby
1700685162
I've had an amazing experience with the team at TruGlo Modern Dental. I needed a fair amount of work (several fillings, a crown + invisalign) and was struggling to find a trustworthy spot. After receiving some questionable quotes elsewhere, a coworker referenced TruGlo and I'm so happy they did! Dr. Ginsberg took care of all my fillings and set me up with an invisalign program too. They're the perfect balance of friendly and professional. Definitely the best dental experience I've ever had!Updating to say my Invisalign experience has gone very well. Currently on my last couple of trays and thrilled with the results.
Nikki Velasquez
Nikki Velasquez
1700611021
I love Dr. Kamis is wonderful and fixed my broken crown and a small cavity. She’s the best dentist ever! I also love Nora who I will see every quarter for cleaning.
Jasmine Chou
Jasmine Chou
1700609855
This place has consistently been amazing. Everyone is nice and welcoming. My experiences here have been nothing but pleasant and I always leave feeling good!
catherine pham
catherine pham
1700605475
I’ve been to many dentists and I’m happy to say I have finally found my permanent one! Everyone has been so nice and treats me as their bestie. Not only that, my teeth have been in the best shape ever.
Nathan Chen
Nathan Chen
1700604982
Staff is always amazing at service and quality of work. Dr. Nora always makes the experience pleasant. Everything is great here. Highly recommend!!!
Joseph Blancas
Joseph Blancas
1700250104
Amazing office, great staff and top tier patient care. Nora my dental hygienist is the best in town and Dr. Kalasho is an amazing dentist with so much knowledge! You need to come here.
Bill
Bill
1700239901
Great office and staff , please go see Brittany and Dr Ginsberg, plus Diamond and Sandy getting me in and accommodating my schedule for a perfect painless visit.
Nadia Harebin
Nadia Harebin
1700172046
10/10 recommend, I’ve been to both the Hollywood and Beverly Hills location and both have been amazing. Dr. Ginsberg is so kind and patient, I always get a thorough explanation of service, and everyone is always so nice. Brittany is also the sweetest! If you have even the smallest anxiety about the dentist, this is the place for you. 2 hour parking also available in the lot across the street.
Abdulla Kaldari
Abdulla Kaldari
1700094793
By far, without question, the best dental clinic. Very professional, all the staff are very knowledgeable and sweet. I did a root canal treatment, two crowns, and a cleaning. Couldn’t be happier with the results. Don’t go anywhere else.
Baba Cole
Baba Cole
1699920923
Amani, Brittany, Dr. Khamis were all absolutely amazing. I was scared for my first fillings and they were extremely patient and walked me through the whole process. I couldn’t be happier!
Carolyn Kehoe
Carolyn Kehoe
1699575507
Amazing experience from start to finish!! When you arrive you are greeted with friendly smiles from Diamond and Sandy when you arrive. Positive vibes keep the comfort level on queue.**Top notch state-of-the-art dentistry. They use only the most up-to-date technology. Highly skilled, highly trained. Very impressive modern dentistry. I had a root canal with Dr Kalasho and it went very well. She is the absolute best! She has a gentle touch and walks you thru every step. She and Dental Assistant Andrew really care about your comfort level and constantly check in with you.Part 2 for my crown with Dr. Ginsberg and Dental Assistant Andrae was incredible - they are a great duo. From the minute I sat in the chair I was made to feel supported and comfortable. They constantly check in on you and have the most gentle touch.***I highly recommend this office for all of your dental needs. I am very happy! And you can be too, come here!
Emily Evans
Emily Evans
1699476173
Best team and best dentist in LA!
Monica Toland
Monica Toland
1699466514
I came to TruGlo earlier this year for an emergency extraction - Dr. Kalasho addressed my concern immediately and I saw improvement right away. Since then, I’ve been doing a treatment plan that is getting my teeth on the right track. The office is always clean and beautiful, and most importantly the Doctors and Staff are all incredible.They are clear, communicative and friendly, always making the visit as easy as possible. Thank you TruGlo Dentistry for always following through on your commitments!
Christine Riccio
Christine Riccio
1699398124
I am a super anxious dentist-goer and they’re so accommodating at TruGlo and always put me at ease.
Mark
Mark
1699299615
Thank you for the awesome work done this place is the best
Michelle Garcia
Michelle Garcia
1698884937
Amazing service. Loved how much they care about you! Thank you Brittany, Misha, and all the administrators there too. Doctor Yalda was the best dentist!
Alicia Forrest
Alicia Forrest
1698859081
I’ve been going here for many years. I moved out of state in 2021 and still make an effort to come down every 6 months for cleanings. They really know their stuff and use the best modern tech. You are in good hands here! Highly recommend.
Arode Lon
Arode Lon
1698805073
Such a great dental practice!!! everyone is so nice and welcoming and give great service. I will definitely keep coming here to get my dental work.
F. Vazquez
F. Vazquez
1698683622
Great patient services. The front desk personnel are very attentive and courteous. The Dr’s are both professional and gentle….
Jascmeen Bush
Jascmeen Bush
1698434725
I’ve been coming to TruGlo for years, both locations, the staff is so friendly and gentle I wouldn’t go anywhere else :)
Mackenzie Dipman
Mackenzie Dipman
1698428014
I cannot say enough good things about my experience at TruGlo🤩 as someone who has always dreaded going to the dentist they have completely changed my mind! Everyone in the office is so friendly from the moment you walk in. They also take the time to explain the status of your teeth/gums in a way no dentist ever has before for me. And they even let you watch Netflix during your cleaning! 10/10 recommend to everyone.
Invest In You
Invest In You
1698421220
Amazing service
Nessa Neal
Nessa Neal
1698375013
I had a really great experience at this dental office , Doctor Yalda was really great. Brittany was a big help as well !!
Rama Samaro
Rama Samaro
1698347684
I have no complains for this practice. It was amazing! I had such a good experience, and everyone was super friendly and helpful. it was very clean and organized, and I absolutely love coming here!!!
Narek Divanyan
Narek Divanyan
1698343351
Recently moved to Los Angeles and started coming here for my routine cleanings. The staff is unbelievably friendly, the office is clean, and the work has always been high quality. Overall a great practice
Temilola Bassey
Temilola Bassey
1698188327
Amazing service, very friendly! Everyone clearly knows what they’re doing here!
Burke Roberts
Burke Roberts
1698126130
Doctor Kalasho has always gone out of her way to be attentive and make time for my (sometimes emergency) needs, promptly. Also the entire office has a great energetic vibe. One can feel that the GLOMD team are not only good at what they're doing, but that they genuinely enjoy their work.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Elena Zegarra
Elena Zegarra
1698090715
Love Dr. Rhonda Kalasho best dentist I have been too. Her and her staff are amazing.
Lauren Polizzi
Lauren Polizzi
1697828415
Everyone at TruGlo Dental is super helpful and friendly, and put me at ease through my whole procedure - and that's saying something!
Tiarra Hughes
Tiarra Hughes
1697822456
Very friendly and supportive staff. I will be back!
Nicole DuBois
Nicole DuBois
1697739504
I’ve been coming here for years! Rhonda is amazing, the staff is amazing and I always feel I’m in good hands.
Iman Ghanizada
Iman Ghanizada
1697736330
Advanced, state of the art practice with the best team. Most importantly, I trust their direction. Highly recommend!
Dawn Richard
Dawn Richard
1697482063
I love Them so muchhhhh. Best Dentistry ever. Dr. Yalda is BOMB and Brittany is that Girl!
Filip Mietka
Filip Mietka
1697220540
I am a new patient and had a great experience today with my first cleaning/xrays. Everyone is very friendly and professional. Great equipment as well
Sandy Nguyen
Sandy Nguyen
1697130453
It’s more than just a dental office. I feel like all the staff here care for your whole well being. I’ve always been scared of dental work because of the cost and how other dentists have made me feel ashamed and guilty for my bad teeth. The TruGlo team made me feel informed and gave me peace of mind.
Alpha Society
Alpha Society
1696551461
Staff are excellent service is class AThanks guys
Eric Burton
Eric Burton
1696182280
Amazing team of professionals!
Koresha Johnson
Koresha Johnson
1696023837
Beautiful office, kind and caring staff, answered ALL my questions quickly and thoroughly. Diamond even went the extra mile and verified that our insurance plan was compatible and that we wouldn’t have too much trouble getting seen. Best experience with a dental office in a great while.
Ren G
Ren G
1696013893
The staff is friendly and professional . Everyone is extremely meticulous in their respective role . Communication was clear and to the point . Definitely moving forward !
Randall Castillo
Randall Castillo
1695937679
Not enough good things to say about this practice. Clean, updated facilities with a welcoming vibe, incredibly knowledgeable doctors and hygienists who do excellent work, and the friendliest staff. Dr. Khalasho is the best dentist I've ever had, hands down. I've been coming here for several years, including their Hollywood location before this one opened, and I'll never go anywhere else as long as I'm in LA.
Nicholas Giuricich
Nicholas Giuricich
1695937349
Been going here for nearly four years, and they are the best dental service I’ve had in my life. Incredibly professional, thorough, and so friendly. State of the art equip too. I can’t recommend this place enough!
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