How To Get Into The Habit Of Brushing Your Teeth

Okay, picture this: I'm late. Like, really late. Rushing out the door for a friend's wedding, hair half-combed, when I catch my reflection in the hallway mirror. And BAM! My teeth. They weren’t, shall we say, sparkling. More like…a geological survey of that morning's coffee and leftover blueberry muffin. Mortifying! That was the day I realized I needed to seriously up my toothbrushing game. (You've been there, right? Don't lie.)

So, how do you go from being a semi-regular brusher (guilty!) to a dental hygiene devotee? It's all about habit formation, my friend. And it's totally achievable, even if the thought of adding another chore to your already overflowing plate makes you want to hide under the covers. Trust me.

Start Small, Think Big (Later)

Don't try to overhaul your entire oral hygiene routine overnight. That's a recipe for burnout. Instead, focus on consistency. Commit to brushing once a day. Seriously, just once. Pick a time – maybe right before bed – and make it non-negotiable. You can always add that second session later when it feels less…painful.

Pro tip: Don't beat yourself up if you miss a day. It happens! Just jump right back on the bandwagon the next day. No guilt trips allowed.

Make it Easy, Make it Obvious

Out of sight, out of mind, right? Keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss (yes, floss! We'll get to that later) in plain sight. Leave them on your bathroom counter, not tucked away in a drawer. The visual reminder will make you much more likely to actually use them. Think of it as setting a little trap for your lazy self. A trap filled with minty freshness!

Consider keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag or at work. That way, you're covered even when your schedule throws you a curveball. (Life happens, am I right?)

Pair it With Something You Already Do

This is where the magic happens. "Habit stacking" is a powerful technique. Link brushing your teeth with something you already do every day, without fail. For example:

• Brush your teeth immediately after your morning coffee.
• Brush your teeth right after you get into bed.
• Brush your teeth while you wait for your conditioner to set in the shower (multitasking FTW!).

Find what works best for you. The key is to piggyback the new habit (brushing) onto an existing one. (Genius, isn't it?)

Reward Yourself (Yes, Really!)

Okay, brushing your teeth isn't exactly like summiting Mount Everest, but you still deserve a little pat on the back. Give yourself a small reward for sticking to your brushing routine. Maybe it's listening to your favorite song while you brush, or treating yourself to a nice lip balm afterwards. The reward doesn't have to be huge; it just needs to be something you enjoy.

Side note: Don’t reward yourself with sugary treats. That kind of defeats the purpose, wouldn’t you agree?

Track Your Progress (If You're Into That Sort of Thing)

Some people find it helpful to track their progress. Use a habit tracker app, a calendar, or even just a sticky note on your mirror. Seeing your success visually can be incredibly motivating. Plus, breaking the chain of consecutive brushing days can be a surprisingly strong deterrent. (Don't break the chain! Don't break the chain!)

Floss! (I Know, I Know…)

Okay, let’s talk about floss. It’s the broccoli of oral hygiene – everyone knows it’s good for you, but nobody really wants to do it. But, seriously, flossing is important! Start by flossing just a few times a week, then gradually increase the frequency. Your gums will thank you (eventually).

Tip: Try those little floss picks. They're way less intimidating than trying to maneuver a mile of string in your mouth. I swear, they're a game-changer.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Forming a new habit takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you slip up. Just keep practicing, and eventually, brushing your teeth will become second nature. And hey, think of the payoff: a healthier mouth, a brighter smile, and no more embarrassing coffee-stain moments. Good luck! And happy brushing!