You know you’re supposed to brush and floss every day. The tricky part is actually remembering to do it! Maybe you occasionally realize you forgot to brush until you’re already tucked into bed, or you tell yourself you’ll floss later and suddenly you’re rushing out the door for work. When life gets busy, even simple habits can fall by the wayside.
The good news? You don’t need perfect willpower to make brushing and flossing part of your everyday routine. A few simple strategies can help these habits become almost automatic.
Start With a Routine You Already Have
One of the easiest ways to build a new habit is to connect it to something you already do. Try brushing your teeth immediately after washing your face in the morning or after getting dressed. At night, make brushing and flossing part of your bedtime routine.
When the same activity consistently happens at the same point in your routine, you’re less likely to rely on memory alone.
Keep Your Supplies Convenient
If your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss are easy to see and reach, you’re more likely to use them. Keep your dental supplies somewhere convenient instead of tucked away in a cabinet you rarely open.
You can also keep a travel toothbrush and floss in your work bag, purse, or desk drawer. Having supplies available can make it easier to maintain your routine when you’re away from home.
Start Small With Flossing
If flossing isn’t already part of your routine, don’t worry about suddenly becoming a flossing expert overnight. Start by making it a once-a-day goal.
It can also help to choose a specific time when you’re most likely to remember. For some people, that might be right before bed. For others, flossing after dinner may work better. The important thing is finding a routine you can realistically stick with.
Use Reminders
There’s no shame in letting your phone do some of the remembering for you! Set an alarm or reminder for your brushing and flossing routine, particularly if you’re trying to establish a new habit.
You can also use a calendar or habit-tracking app to keep yourself accountable. Seeing a streak of completed days can provide a little extra motivation.
Make It More Enjoyable
Habit-building doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Choose a toothpaste flavor you enjoy, listen to music while you brush, or pair your evening dental routine with another activity you like.
If you tend to rush through brushing, try setting a two-minute timer. Giving yourself enough time to brush thoroughly can help make the routine more effective, too.
Don’t Let One Missed Day Become a Week
Everyone forgets sometimes. If you miss brushing or flossing once, don’t treat it as a reason to give up on your routine. Simply get back to it at the next opportunity.
Consistency over time matters much more than having a perfect record. Regular dental visits can also help keep you on track and give your dentist an opportunity to spot potential problems early.
A healthy smile starts with small habits repeated day after day.
About the Practice
Dr. Anthony Dillard provides comprehensive dental care focused on helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles. The practice offers routine dental checkups and cleanings as part of its preventive approach to oral health, helping patients stay on top of their daily dental care and long-term needs.
Call us at (972) 394-1492 or schedule your appointment online