You have probably heard since you were young that you need to brush twice a day and floss daily. However, despite knowing what is recommended, not everyone follows through with a consistent oral health routine! The Delta Dental Oral Health and Well-Being Survey discovered that 30% of Americans brush less than they should. Additionally, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly one-third of all Americans never floss. With that in mind, here are five tips to be more consistent in keeping your smile in top condition!
1. Use a Daily Reminder on Your Phone
Life can be busy and although you may be well-meaning, you may skip brushing and flossing at the end of the day. Between wrapping up your evening and being tired, you may not make your dental health a priority. However, it is essential to not leave harmful plaque on your teeth overnight as it increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. To help you make brushing and flossing a priority in the evening, set a reminder on your phone. You can even put a message with it as a gentle nudge to care consistently for your smile!
2. Pick the Right Flossing Tool
Current times have made so many innovations to make daily life easier, and this includes flossing. You may have had trouble making flossing a daily habit because you don’t like using traditional string floss. Fortunately, there are other options to remove the food particles from between your pearly whites. Consider switching to floss picks or a water flosser; they can be much easier to use and effectively get rid of plaque and debris in the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your mouth.
3. Find a Flavor of Toothpaste That You Like
Nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for things that are good for you, including your toothpaste! You are much more likely to be consistent with cleaning your teeth if you enjoy it. Take the time to check out the various toothpaste flavors to make each brushing session a much more positive experience. Be mindful to choose brands that have been approved by the American Dental Association, so you don’t compromise flavor for effectiveness.
4. Involve Your Partner
Everything is better when you have a partner to enjoy it with! You and your significant other can join forces to keep your smiles whole and healthy. You can achieve this by having “sink time” together each day. It also gives you and your partner a little bit of time to connect. Support is always helpful when building healthy habits.
5. Keep Dental Supplies at Work or In Your Car
Some mornings are more hectic than others and you may find yourself rushing out the door without fully tending to your oral health. Being proactive is the best thing for when things get busy, so be sure to keep a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, and dental floss in your car or at your office. Your smile will always be fresh and clean, no matter what comes your way!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nicholas Slezak and his team at Dental Group of Jefferson are eager to help you keep your smile healthy all year long! He offers a full range of dental services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care. With the use of personalized plans and advanced dental technology, he can help you achieve your best oral health yet. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (440) 285-8211.