If you have trouble making a habit out of brushing your teeth, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent survey found that 30% of millennials are only brushing their teeth once a day (psst: we’re all supposed to brush twice a day, folks…). So we’ve assembled some friendly tips on how to make brushing a regular thing. Here are some bright ideas for a brighter smile:
1. Set a reminder on your phone.
Chances are, you’ve already set up reminders for tons of tasks on your mobile device – so add brushing to the daily docket. Feel embarrassed about having a brushing reminder potentially pop up on your screen in front of other people? Use a secret code like: “wash the dog” (because who doesn’t love a squeaky-clean pup, and who wants dog breath?)
2. Make a smile diary.
One smile a day can help keep the dentist away. Take a tooth-y selfie every day and store them all in a special folder on your phone. Seeing your smile brighten over time can be a super gratifying way to track your progress, and give you bragging fodder for social media. #nofilter #nofillings
3. Bookend your day.
We feel “hungry” at lunch time because repetition has made us super used to eating during that part of the day. By making toothbrushing the first thing you do in the morning and last thing you do at night, you ensure that it always bookends your day in a consistent way. Soon you’ll feel like you’re “forgetting something” if you break from this routine. Your teeth may even start growling.
4. Put your money where your mouth is.
Set aside some money and make a bet with yourself that you’ll brush consistently for three or six months – if you slip up, your “bet money” gets donated to a charity of your choosing. If you make it through with a clean set of chompers, you get your money back. Win-win!
5. Do it together.
Rope in your roommate or significant other and have them become your brushing buddy. You can ask them to check in with you or even sync up every day for “sink time.” After all: “The family that brushes together crushes together.” -Hulk Hogan, probably (legal disclaimer: we have no idea if Hulk Hogan said this. Hulk, if you read this, you’ve got a fab smile. please hit us up–not literally– so we can send you some toothpaste).
6. Keep your friends close, and your toothbrush closer.
Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at the office or in your car – that way if you miss your brush during the morning rush you can still get tooth-time in at the beginning of your day. Your cuspids (and coworkers) will thank you.
7. Consider the gravity of a serious cavity.
Think about how much a non-routine trip to the dentist costs, and then think about all of the awesome ways you could spend that hard-earned cash instead. Good brushing habits = fewer fillings = more $$$ towards renting that killer tropical bungalow you spotted on airbnb. (Just be sure to pack your toothbrush.)
8. Find a toothpaste that makes brushing fun.
When an activity makes us feel happy, we have a natural tendency to turn it into a habit. This principle absolutely applies to brushing your teeth: find a toothpaste that tastes great and does the job well and you’ll start looking forward to the next time. And the next time. And the next time. Full disclosure: we make a whole bunch of naturally friendly toothpastes and they taste fantastic. You can peep them here.
