Behavior Change Project on Importance of Flossing

I. Identification of the behavior to be changed

My lowest score on the Individualized Health Assessment was in the self-care area.

Therefore, I have chosen to do my behavior change project in the self-care area. I will

work specifically on flossing my teeth. I believe that flossing is more of an advantage for me because I do not floss my teeth often. During a recent dental check up, I spoke with my hygienist about the importance of flossing regularly. I found out that if you do not brush and floss your teeth correctly, plaque can build up in the hard to reach areas

that only floss can reach. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease, the bacteria

can enter your bloodstream and travel through your body. Heart disease, diabetes, and

respiratory disease have all been linked to gum disease. This information scared me a

little because those diseases already run in my family; It really made me want to floss.

II. Preliminary Reflections and Self-Observations from Baseline Data

During the week that I monitored my behavior, I realized some interesting things about

my behavior. I noticed that after I brush my teeth, I rinse my mouth with mouthwash and

walk out of the bathroom. I do not think about flossing most of time. I believe the

reason of why I do not floss may be because growing up, my family members hardly

flossed their teeth and still have good teeth. Therefore, when my dental hygienist tells me

I need to floss, I had the attitude of why should I floss; my family does not floss and they

still have good teeth.

III. Behavior Change Plan and Strategies

I plan to change my self-care routine in a two week period by making a conscientious

effort to floss my teeth at least once a day. I will not only brush my teeth, I will brush and

floss them the correct way. I hope to have the consistency in flossing my teeth on a daily

basis to improve my oral hygiene. I need to stop blaming others for my lack of self

discipline. In the bathroom, I plan to take the floss out of the drawer and place it on the

sink beside my toothbrush to make it readily available; this will also act as a reminder. As

an added measure, I am going to put a post-it note on the bathroom mirror and on my

nightstand. I also may be able to use rewards as an added bonus for my new healthy

behavior. I will buy myself an outfit if I am successful.

IV. Evaluation and Insights

During the project I learned how important it is and how to floss my teeth correctly. I was

not aware of the consequences of not flossing properly. I also realized that I can change my change my old behavior by learning about the negative effects it could cause to my health and having reminders for myself. Having a good attitude and knowing the importance of flossing; I was able to continue to floss daily. I will continue to use my reminders until flossing becomes part of my daily routine. Looking back, I would not do anything differently other than maybe starting this a long time ago before I developed these unhealthy behaviors.

V. Appendix

One Week Observation of Current Behavior

Day 1: In the morning: brushed my teeth, rinsed with mouthwash, cleaned sink, got ready for class. At night: brushed teeth, rinsed with mouthwash, went to bed.

Day 2: In the morning: brushed my teeth, rinsed with mouthwash, cleaned sink. At night: brushed teeth, rinsed with mouthwash, cleaned sink, went to bed.

Day 3: In the morning: brushed my teeth, rinsed with mouthwash, cleaned sink. At night: brushed teeth, rinsed with mouthwash, flossed, cleaned sink, went to bed.

Day 4: In the morning: brushed my teeth, rinsed with mouthwash,