If you’ve had difficulty getting brushing and flossing to become regular habits you don’t even have to think about, you’re not the only one. Surprisingly, a 2019 survey by Hello Products found that 30 percent of millennials are only brushing their teeth once a day – better than nothing, but not up to par for the recommended twice daily. Read on for tips from your dentist in Canton to help make brushing and flossing more automatic in your daily life.
Tips to Encourage Regular Brushing
There are many ways you can upgrade your toothbrushing game:
- Set a reminder on your phone. You probably already set reminders on your smartphone for an array of activities, so here’s one more. If you don’t want anyone else to know, use a code like “wash the car” that only you understand.
- Make a smile diary. Take a selfie of your smile daily and store all the images in a folder on your phone. Watch how your grin brightens over time and you stay diligent about your brushing efforts.
- Bookend your day. Repetition matters – look no further than feeling hungry at lunchtime because your body is used to receiving nourishment during that part of the day. In a similar vein, make brushing the first thing you do when you wake up and the last thing you do before going to bed. This routine will become something you do on autopilot.
- Bet on yourself. Set aside some money and make a bet with yourself that you’ll brush consistently for three or six months. If you fail, the cash has to go to a charity of your choosing. If you succeed, it’s a win-win for your grin and wallet.
- Get your partner into the mix. See if your significant other is receptive to helping you in this endeavor. Maybe have some “sink time” together each day – you’ve probably seen photos of couples brushing together at the bathroom sink before. Support is helpful to build healthy habits.
- Don’t let your toothbrush stray too far. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at your workplace or in your car. Then, if you do happen to miss out on taking care of business at home, you can keep your smile on track for the day.
- Don’t let a cavity set you back. Think about how wasteful it will feel when you have to spend money on getting treatment for a cavity. Hopefully, the mere threat of one will keep you in line before you have to open your wallet.
- Get a toothpaste you enjoy. Think about those foods you avoid eating because they taste bad. Conversely, buy toothpaste you think tastes great – it will help you see brushing as a pleasant activity.
What About Flossing?
In a blog post about remembering to take care of your teeth, this is no time to forget about developing a daily flossing habit. Whether you go the route of a smartphone reminder, put a sticky note on the bathroom mirror, or even put your floss dispenser on top of the toothpaste, do something to create a reminder.
If you struggle to get on board with traditional floss, invest in floss picks or a Waterpik to help you develop consistency. If you can take your toothbrush with you, floss can certainly be included, as well, in your car or desk drawer at work because a daily habit is better late than never!
Ideally, some of these ideas flip the switch in your head so that brushing and flossing become so easy you begin to do them without even needing to think about it. If you need any more motivation, simply ask your dentist how much these activities matter for the long-term status of your smile; you can bet they’ll have plenty to say.
About the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison has training in advanced aesthetic reconstruction, so he is particularly adept at helping patients with veneers and crowns. He has studied at prestigious institutions like the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies and the Las Vegas Institute. His grandfather started the family dental practice back in the 1940s. Dr. Robison will be happy to extol the virtues of brushing and flossing during your next checkup and cleaning. You can schedule one on his website or call (734) 453-6320.