Resolution Keeper (1): Floss

Okay, so it is 3:00am and I am awake with a toothache. The pain is pretty bad so I wanted to check WebMD to see what causes toothaches and when I should go to the dentist. (Not like I have a dentist here in DC though.) 

It seems that I now have something to add to my To Do list - Find a Dentist

I found this tidbit (thanks RealSimple)

-Call the Academy of General Dentistry's help line (877-292-9327) for referrals to three dentists in your area who can answer your questions.

Dental Health: Teeth and Gum Care
With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the less risk you have for tooth decay and gum disease.

There are four basic steps to caring for teeth and gums:
-Brushing
-Flossing
-Eating right
-Visiting the dentist

Tips for Flossing
-Floss once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque stays between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dentist. 

To floss:
-Remove about an 18-inch strip of floss from the dispenser.
-Wind the floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a 1-inch section open for flossing. Floss the top teeth first, then the bottom.
-Place the floss in your mouth and use your index fingers to push the floss between the teeth. ---Be careful not to push too hard and injure the gums.
-Move the floss up and down against the tooth and up and around the gum line. The floss should form a C-shape around the tooth as you floss.
-Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth.
-Use a clean section of floss as needed and take up used floss by winding it around the fingers.