These days, everyone deserves a break. But finding the time to take a break—all to yourself—can seem impossible. What if there was a way to take a break in real-time, while still being productive? Practicing mindfulness with dental hygiene does exactly that.
First off, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is defined by Merriam Webster as, “The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.” Sound intimidating? Trust us, it’s not. It’s simple and like everything else, it takes practice to get better.
Health benefits of Mindfulness & Dental Hygiene
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes, flossing regularly and using mouthwash when appropriate. This equates to about 4-5 minutes bookending the day for dental hygiene practices. When you combine dental hygiene with mindfulness, this becomes a potent 8-10 minutes per day to recharge yourself and feel better.
Dental hygiene health benefits
- May help to prevent heart disease & stroke
- Strengthens your immune system
- Regulates blood pressure
Mindfulness health benefits
- Reduces stress
- Controls anxiety
- Promotes emotional health
- Improves sleep
- Can decrease blood pressure
Mindfulness with dental hygiene in action
Start out by relaxing your neck and face. Breathe deep. Feel the cool air enter through your nostrils and fill your lungs. Exhale. Calmly, pick up your toothbrush. Take another deep breath. Relieve your thoughts so you’re in the present moment. Notice the noise the water makes when it’s turned on. Brush your teeth purposefully in a controlled manner. Whatever is waiting for you when you are finished can wait four minutes longer. Breathe deep. Relax.
Once mindful brushing is complete, you should feel calm and collected. If you don’t, it’s alright. Soon, you’ll see dental hygiene as an additional benefit for yourself, rather than just another thing you have to get to.
Get ready for your day | Prepare for sleep
We’ve always been told to eat a good breakfast to start the day right. It can also be said that collecting yourself before you head out for your day is also beneficial. Imagine starting your day with a clear perspective of what needs to be accomplished—putting aside the distractions to think effectively. Being mindful helps organize your thoughts to tackle what’s important.
Similarly going to bed feeling relaxed improves sleep. Giving yourself the opportunity to clear your mind and reset, even if it’s just for five minutes, will help you relax and ease into your dreams.
Feeling peace of mind with dental insurance
Dental insurance eases your worries when something bad happens. Preventative care covered at 100% will keep your teeth cleaned and avoids issues down the road. The Direct Benefits Marketplace allows you to compare, bundle, ask questions, and read over more material; we’re here for you.
Also, have you ever wondered what the American Dental Association says on the proper brushing technique?
1. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
2. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11264-oral-health--risk-for-cv-disease
https://drania.com/better-oral-health-can-boost-your-immune-system/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/well/mind/how-to-be-mindful-while-brushing-your-teeth.html
https://www.ada.org/sitecore/content/home-mouthhealthy/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth