Be honest… Have you fallen out of the habit of flossing daily? Maybe you’ve even let your morning or evening brushing routine slip. If that’s the case, don’t worry – you can easily turn over a new leaf and start implementing better oral hygiene practices today! Not sure where to start? Then read on for five helpful ways to make brushing and flossing a daily habit.
Tip #1: Pick the Right Tool
Are you still using traditional floss or a manual toothbrush? If so, it’s time for an upgrade! Tools like water flossers and electric toothbrushes make the process of cleaning your teeth and gums much simpler. Plus, you can sign up for programs with many brands that send automatic replacement bristles or a new package of floss every month so there is even less to worry about!
Tip #2: Set a Reminder on Your Phone
You use your phone to communicate with loved ones, to scroll through social media, and to check your e-mails, why not use it to help you keep your smile healthy? Setting a reminder each morning and evening will go a long way in making brushing and flossing a habit. You can also use the stopwatch to make sure you’re brushing for a full two minutes, which is essential when it comes to thoroughly removing food particles, plaque, and tartar.
Tip #3: Create an On-the-Go Dental Care Kit
If you’ve got a jam-packed schedule that’s filled with breakfast in the car, lunch meetings with clients, and late-night dinners with friends, then consider making an on-the-go dental care kit. This is simpler than you might initially think; simply fill a small pouch with a travel-sized toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash so cleaning your teeth from wherever you are is easy.
Tip #4: Ask Your Friends for Help
A recent poll found that roughly 30% of adults never floss. So, there’s a chance that a close colleague, friend, or family member could improve their oral hygiene regimen as well. Why not be accountability partners? Simply check-in with each other each morning and evening to make sure that you’ve both checked brushing and flossing off of your to-do list.
Tip #5: Pick a Reward
For many people, having a reward is the ultimate motivation. If that sounds good to you, then think of something you really want. It could be as small as a cup of coffee from your favorite café or as big as a weekend getaway to a dreamy destination. Then, set up the parameters! For example, if you brush and floss consistently for three whole months, you get to go on vacation!
About the Practice
Although our team at Super Dental of Fitchburg offers a wide range of restorative services – from dental crowns to dental implants – our real goal is to help you keep your smile healthy and happy so you don’t experience any dental damage. That’s why we focus on preventive care, including sharing our tips and tricks for how to make implementing a solid oral hygiene routine at home easier. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us for your biannual dental checkup and teeth cleaning, then visit our website or call (978) 216-1515.