From a very early age you’re taught to brush your teeth twice a day. Typically, this occurs when you wake up and when you go to bed. This can seem like a mundane task to accomplish but the reward of having clean teeth is exponential.
Having a good dental routine rewards you with:
- Fresh breath
- No tooth pain
- Little to no cavities
- Healthy gums
- That clean, minty feeling
A survey conducted finds nearly 70% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day leaving 30% that don’t brush enough. Is it boredom? Forgetfulness? Too much going on?
Here are 6 ways to boost your dental routine to keep you motivated and flossing away.
1. Revamp the old and bring in the new
People love shopping. And what better way to get excited about brushing your teeth than to purchase a new toothbrush! Those fresh out-of-the-box bristles will energize you to brush more. Package your purchase with floss and new mouthwash too.
Toothbrush
Have you thought about using an electric toothbrush? The battery-powered toothbrush knocks away bad bacteria with ease and prevents gum erosion. If electric isn’t your thing, feel the love with a soft bristle toothbrush. Your teeth will bathe in delight.
Floss
Don’t settle for the floss your dentist provides—buy floss you’ll actually use. Did you know some floss is designed to fit small spaces? Look for floss that is waxed that eases the floss in-between your teeth for ultimate comfort. Try the mint flavor!
Mouthwash
Purchasing mouthwash is an added reminder to go further with your dental routine. And even though mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing and flossing, it does give you a quick option if you’re running late to get some fluoride on your teeth. Just remember to not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after use to get the most out it.
2. Purchase additional tools you haven’t thought of
Besides the typical toothbrush and floss, how about a water flosser? Water flossers add a new sense for your teeth as water is pummeled in-between your teeth to dislodge particles. Another floss-like tool is a dental pick. Dental picks or mini brushes may provide better control to get in-between your teeth. Tongue scrapers are also an effective tool that helps wash away the bacteria that gives you bad breath. Purchase these tools for a more robust dental care routine.
3. Take an active break with mindfulness
Do you find yourself rushing and not having the time to brush your teeth? Combine this activity with mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of gathering your thoughts with your breath and relaxing. When you use mindfulness while brushing, you’ll feel more energized and refreshed when you’re finished. This will create positive feelings, and you may even find yourself looking forward to brushing.
If flossing doesn’t do it for you because you just don’t have the time, mindfulness will help keep your focus on the task at hand. Imagine, taking your time, flossing between each tooth, dislodging all the crud, taking a breath, listening to the water as it hits your toothbrush, feeling the bristles glide over your teeth and finally enjoying that fresh, crisp feeling your mouth will feel when you’re complete.
4. Drink more water with acidic drinks
Outside of brushing and flossing, there are other techniques to utilize. Acidic drinks weaken your tooth enamel. So before drinking acidic beverages such as orange juice or coffee, take a sip of water. This prevents the acidity from directly attacking your teeth. In the same light, avoid brushing your teeth after you drink acidic beverages.
5. Eat foods that help
Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, apples and pears act as natural brushing and flossing agents as they dislodge particles from your teeth. Your saliva then acts as an important natural tool your body uses to wash away unwanted bacteria. If you leave for work or school without brushing, don’t worry! Simply grab some crunchy fruits and vegetables to help you through.
6. Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is cosmetic mainly and not for health. That said, people typically take the care necessary to brush their teeth before using the whitening strips, which is how whitening lands on this list. You should always brush your teeth before using whitening strips to avoid getting trapped bacteria between the strips and your teeth. However, it is recommended for sensitivity purposes not to brush your teeth immediately before using the strips. Wait at least half an hour. Also, always consult your dentist prior for the proper way to use whitening strips.
Dental insurance gets you into the dentist for a more thorough cleaning
There are some things your dental routine at home cannot accomplish without a dental professional. This occurs when bad bacteria hardens to form plaque that brushing cannot wash away. This is performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist by scraping your teeth. This is essential for your complete oral care because these bacteria form cavities; cavities turn into root canals and eventually, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Dental insurance helps get you into the dentist for these cleanings and checkups. The Direct Benefits Marketplace puts the top dental plans side-by-side for you to choose which plan works best for your situation and lifestyle. Choose the Direct Benefits Marketplace for your dental solution.