About 27% of adults lie to their dentist about flossing their teeth. Only 4 out of 10 Americas floss their teeth daily. Flossing helps remove remaining bacteria in your mouth. When bacteria and saliva mix, it causes plaque. If plaque is not taken out it can turn into tartar. Bacteria also causes periodontal disease which can lead to tooth decay, receding gums, and tooth loss. Many people decided not to floss because they see no results from it. There may be little evidence that flossing works, but it is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. In a group of people surveyed about what they would rather do than flossing about 18% said they would rather wash the dishes. Another 9% said they would rather be stuck in gridlock traffic
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The efficiency of making implementation intentions as an intervention to increase dental floss behavior was also tested. 119 participants were individuals from a university and were given course credit for participating. The participants were randomized to which group they were put into, intervention or control group. The intervention group participants was given dental floss and a diary to record the days they flossed. Before starting the intervention, they were given a questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. It assessed attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and past behaviors. Attitudes were measured by questions based on their thoughts on flossing every day for 3 weeks. Subjective norm was based off the question “Most people whose opinion matters to me think I should floss my teeth every day for the next 3 weeks” (Lavin, & Groarke, 2005). Perceived behavioral control was measured by questions that was based off self. Whether they thought it would be easy to floss every day, obstacles they would face, self-control, and how confident they feel about using dental floss for the next 3 weeks. Intention was based on questions on how they feel they will do throughout the intervention. Past behaviors were based off the question ‘‘How many days in the past 3 weeks have you used dental floss’’ (Lavin, & Groarke, 2005). Participants were also asked to write down specifically when and where they would floss every day for the next 3 weeks. Based on attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control the prediction for intention use of dental floss was resulted. Having a positive attitude and higher perceived behavior control the
The efficiency of making implementation intentions as an intervention to increase dental floss behavior was also tested. 119 participants were individuals from a university and were given course credit for participating. The participants were randomized to which group they were put into, intervention or control group. The intervention group participants was given dental floss and a diary to record the days they flossed. Before starting the intervention, they were given a questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. It assessed attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and past behaviors. Attitudes were measured by questions based on their thoughts on flossing every day for 3 weeks. Subjective norm was based off the question “Most people whose opinion matters to me think I should floss my teeth every day for the next 3 weeks” (Lavin, & Groarke, 2005). Perceived behavioral control was measured by questions that was based off self. Whether they thought it would be easy to floss every day, obstacles they would face, self-control, and how confident they feel about using dental floss for the next 3 weeks. Intention was based on questions on how they feel they will do throughout the intervention. Past behaviors were based off the question ‘‘How many days in the past 3 weeks have you used dental floss’’ (Lavin, & Groarke, 2005). Participants were also asked to write down specifically when and where they would floss every day for the next 3 weeks. Based on attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control the prediction for intention use of dental floss was resulted. Having a positive attitude and higher perceived behavior control the