Each day, you engage in habits that you may or may not realize you have developed over time. Whether it is fixing a pot of coffee first thing in the morning, placing your car keys by the door when you arrive home, or setting your clothes out before you go to bed, these behaviors did not develop overnight. Instead, it required diligence on your part to establish this type of routine. The same can be done for your oral health. If you’re looking to maintain good oral health year-round, here are four ways to make brushing and flossing daily habits you won’t forget.
Should I Set a Reminder to Brush and Floss?
If you are prone to forgetfulness, there is no better way to establish a new routine than to set a reminder on your phone. You can also place a sticky note on your bathroom mirror to help you remember that you need to brush and floss first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night.
Should I Be Worried About Cavities?
If you don’t think cavities will form over time simply because no one in your family has had major issues, remind yourself that it’s better to be safe than sorry. You might ask yourself, “Would I rather brush and floss and reduce my risk of dental decay or avoid these habits and take the risk of eventually requiring costly and timely restorative care?” If you value your time and money, you’ll find yourself brushing and flossing regularly.
How Can I Brush Easily?
Oftentimes, individuals forgo regular brushing because they do not have a suitable instrument. A brush feels too large or is ineffective. If you want to make sure that you stick to your new habits, find a toothbrush that meets your needs. The recommendation is usually soft bristles, a handle that fits easily into your hand, and contains the Seal of Approval by the American Dental Association. Whether you choose a manual or electric brush is up to you.
Why is Taking a Picture Helpful?
Nowadays, you’re hard-pressed to go anywhere and not see someone taking a selfie. These images might seem silly to some but when attempting to start a new routine or habit, they can help keep you motivated. After taking daily photos of your smile for some time, you can regularly look back on your progress to see how far your smile has come. You’ll continue to remain positive about your efforts, probably causing you to forget what it was like before you began taking better care of your smile.
Good oral hygiene is one of the best lifestyle habits you can practice. Try any one of the above-mentioned tricks to keep your smile looking its best year after year.
About the Practice
At Long Family Dental of Midlothian, our team of dental experts has been caring for residents for more than 40 years. A family-owned business, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are carrying on the work of their father, Dr. Henry Long, who originally established the practice. Offering preventive dental care to patients, we want to provide helpful insight that will minimize oral and overall health problems in the future. Visit our website or call us to learn more.