A lot of the time, it can be hard to even get started with simple things, especially if you’ve been putting them off. Life is busy, forming habits is difficult, and so little things might fall through the cracks.
Maybe that’s why a recent study found that 30% of millennials are only brushing their teeth once a day, and that’s to say nothing about flossing. It can be easy to let dental hygiene fall by the wayside, but brushing and flossing are the most important things you can do to prevent oral health problems. If you find yourself struggling to keep up the habit, here are a few tips that might help you.
Set a Reminder
At this point, most people use their phones for occasional reminders, and some people use productivity apps to keep their life in order. If that’s you, you may want to add brushing and flossing to your phone’s reminders. If you don’t want to use your phone, sticky notes can be just as effective, especially if you put them in the right place.
Hold Yourself Accountable
If you’re really struggling to build a habit, it can be nice to lean on the people around you. You can try talking with a roommate or partner that would be willing to hold you accountable, or who could even brush with you.
Change Where You Brush
Ultimately, when you brush and floss doesn’t matter nearly as much as how often you do it. If you really find it difficult to brush at the beginning and end of the day, you might want to try brushing somewhere else, or at another time. Keeping your toothbrush in your car or at your office desk can serve as a nice reminder, and makes it much easier to work it into your routine.
Remember Why It’s Important
Sometimes, remembering the gravity of the situation is the best motivator. If you’ve ever had a toothache that resulted from an infection, you know how much of a pain it can be. The best treatment is always prevention, and the best way to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease is to form a strong dental hygiene routine.
Once you form the habit, taking care of your teeth is easy. If you get used to brushing twice a day and flossing, by this time next year you’ll have a smile you can be proud of.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas has dedicated a huge portion of his life to building a practice that patients can trust for immaculate oral healthcare. After decades of work, he’s confident in his ability to offer his patients the greatest care that dentistry has to offer. Dr. Thomas earned his DDS from the University of the Pacific, then served his country in the US Army Dental Corps.
If you have any questions about how to prioritize your oral health, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (775) 626-3535.