16 Jan How to Make Brushing and Flossing a Regular Habit | Medical Arts Dental
Dental hygiene should be easy. After all, brushing and flossing only takes a few minutes.
But according to a recent survey, 23 percent of Americans have gone two or more days without brushing their teeth, and only four in 10 Americans floss once a day.
If you’re one of the 23 percent or the four in ten, you might be wondering how to make it a habit. It’s actually one of the easiest New Year’s resolutions you could make this year.
Here’s how:
1. Set an Alarm
You set an alarm when you have to wake up, complete work task, or even take medicine. Why shouldn’t you set an alarm for brushing and flossing? Set multiple alarms, during a time when you’re normally getting ready for the day, anyway. You’ll have to be persistent to turn them off. By reminding yourself to brush and floss when you’re already getting ready, you’ll naturally associate those tasks with preparing for your day.
2. Make it as Easy as Possible
Many swear by flossing sticks; small tools with a piece of floss. They’re more expensive than standard floss, but they’re more comfortable and easier to use. In addition, you might prefer to use an electric toothbrush over a standard toothbrush. The easier it is, the more likely it will become routine.
3. Set Visual Cues
If flossing is what you forget, keep your floss next to your toothbrush. Or, keep a blank post it on your mirror – you’ll know what it means. Sometimes a physical clue can help. Get yourself into the habit of running your tongue over your teeth after you brush. That way, when you don’t brush, you’ll miss that clean feeling and “crave” to brush them.
4. Reward Yourself
This can look like tracking your progress so you feel good about where you’re at and the small change you’re making. Jerry Seinfeld has been known to mark an X on a calendar every time he completes a task. It’s a huge visual reward, and it makes it glaringly obvious if you miss a day. You could also put money in a jar each time you brush and floss, and then use the money to treat yourself!
For more questions about your dental health, contact Medical Arts Dental. Make 2018 your best oral health year!