Tips for Getting Your Oral Hygiene Habits to Last More Than One Week

Sometimes getting a new routine to stick is much harder than the routine itself. If you’re following professionally recommended guidelines, brushing your teeth only takes two minutes. At a rate of two sessions per day, that’s only four minutes out of your day-to-day life. When put that way it sounds easy, doesn’t it? And yet new habits seem to last about a week before fatigue settles in.

Don’t lose heart! These habit-making tips can help you wrangle yourself and get the job done.

Set Up Phone Reminders

If you have a calendar, clock, or reminder app on your phone, you can set up alarms that signal it’s time to stop what you’re doing and brush your teeth. Some people like using obnoxious sounds that force them to get up and get moving, while others prefer a more gentle approach. Use whatever works for you!

Post Notes Where You’ll See Them

Maybe you don’t electronic beeps and boops at all. In that case, you can try the good ‘ol Post-It note method. Stick your paper reminder somewhere you’ll see it, like your bathroom mirror. The closer it is to your oral hygiene equipment, the better – that way you can complete the task as soon as you think of it.

Document Your Progress

Sometimes the struggle isn’t in remembering to do something so much as feeling motivated to do something. Documenting your progress might sound like a pretty dry way to encourage yourself to brush and floss, but it tends to work for goal-oriented individuals. There are also fun, simple ways you can track your habits, such as putting stickers on your calendar or taking photos to post on your socials.

Involve Family or Friends

One of the pros of living with other people is that they can help you reinforce good habits! Listen to music and have a dance session with your kids while you clean your teeth or give your roommate permission to pinch you every time you miss out on oral care. That’ll definitely keep you motivated, as long as you’re brave enough to endure the punishment.

Upgrade Your Dental Equipment

Be honest: do you enjoy brushing your teeth? It doesn’t have to be fun, per se, but like a shower, good oral hygiene should help you feel fresh and clean. If you absolutely dread the task, maybe your equipment is giving you sensory overload. Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles, try out a different toothpaste type or flavor, and consider getting a water flosser.

When it comes to building a new habit, it might take some out-of-the-box thinking to get it to stick. These solutions are just a few suggestions. If you think of something you want to try, go for it! And don’t forget that your dentist is on your side. They can give you loads of oral-hygiene-promoting ideas, too.

About the Dentist

Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has 35 years of experience thus far. He believes that good oral hygiene is the cornerstone of good oral health and would be happy to help you form consistent brushing and flossing habits! To contact his office, call 215-348-2224.