5 Helpful Tips to Make Good Oral Hygiene a Daily Habit

Dentists generally recommend brushing twice a day and flossing daily. However, statistics show that over 30% of Americans brush less than they should, and as many as 20% don’t floss at all. Are you having trouble turning good oral hygiene into an everyday habit? If so, you could be at a higher than necessary risk for cavities and gum disease. To help you protect your smile, here are 5 tips to ensure that you’re brushing and flossing every day.

1. Set Yourself a Reminder on Your Phone

When you have a hectic schedule, you may simply forget about brushing and flossing at the end of the day. The last thing you want is to leave harmful plaque on your teeth overnight, so to make sure that you don’t forget about your oral hygiene routine, try leaving yourself a reminder on your phone. That way, it will be less likely to slip your mind even if you’re tired.

2. Pick the Right Flossing Tool

Many people have trouble turning flossing into a habit because they find it difficult to use traditional string floss. Luckily, there are other options for cleaning between your teeth. Try picking up some floss picks or a water flosser; they’re often much easier to use and can still help you get rid of plaque and food debris in the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your mouth.

3. Keep Dental Supplies at Work or In Your Car

Some mornings are busier than others, and you might find that you don’t have enough time to brush or floss before rushing out the door. To make sure that you’re maintaining a clean smile no matter what kind of morning you’re having, keep a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, and dental floss in your car or at your desk at the office.

4. Find a Flavor of Toothpaste That You Like

It’s much easier to turn brushing into a habit when you enjoy doing it. Take the time to look for toothpaste that comes in a flavor you like; this will make each brushing session a much more positive experience. (Of course, you shouldn’t compromise on effectiveness for flavor. Make sure that the toothpaste you choose has been approved by the ADA.)

5. Remind Yourself Why Oral Hygiene is Important

A good way to motivate yourself to brush and floss every day is to remember why you’re doing it. By taking good care of your smile, you can significantly lower your risk for gum disease and tooth decay. As a result, you’ll be less likely to need to make an emergency trip to the dentist, and you can potentially save a lot of money that might have otherwise been spent on complex dental treatments.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He has completed advanced training in various areas of dentistry and is proud to offer his patients stress-free dental care at Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills. If you have concerns about your oral hygiene routine or would like to schedule a dental checkup, you can reach out to Dr. Milner via his website or by calling (410) 902-4110.