Brushing your teeth on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your dental health in Jefferson City. Brushing can also help with gum health and even keep your breath smelling fresh.
The best way to built brushing into your routine is to make it a habit. A habit is an automated practice that becomes hard to give up. Some habits can be bad, of course, but brushing is a good habit. If you can make brushing your teeth a habit, you’ll be one step closer to a life of successful checkups. Here are some tips for creating a good habit that you can teach your kids. These tips will also work on teens and adults too.
Keep Dental Health in Jefferson City Simple
One of the best ways to create a habit is to keep the requirements simple. Brushing teeth is already a simple task, but we can focus on the simplicity to help it stick as a habit. Don’t complicate the instructions for your kids. Keep it as simple as possible at the start. A small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush, brush for about two minutes, rinse with clear water. Simple.
Regular Timing
One of the cornerstones of a habit is routine. Routine is rooted in consistent timing. Choose at least two, or three regular times to brush your teeth. Set a timer if you have to, but it’s best to create a habit around other regular activities. “First thing in the morning” or “after breakfast” are good times. After dinner or just before getting into bed are also good times. Regardless of when you choose, make sure it is a daily activity, and that it is tied to another routine or habit as a reminder.
Stick To It
Research indicates that you have to do a task for at least two weeks in a row before your brain will turn it over to auto-pilot and make it into a habit. Your brain tries to do this with routine things so you don’t have to keep the task in your short-term memory. If you can stick with a task for two weeks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a good habit. If you can hold on for 30 days, you’ll imprint your new habit as a reflexive routine.
Start Improving Dental Health in Jefferson City Today
There’s no time like right now to get started on creating healthy habits for your teeth. If you are having trouble with brushing, make a commitment to work on it starting now. If you are caring for a child or working with a teenager, help reinforce good habits with reminders, positive support, and a leading example. Once you have created a healthy habit around brushing your teeth, you’ll have plenty of reason to smile. We look forward to seeing you for your next checkup. If you have any questions about services such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and root canals, give us a call.
Contact Jefferson City Dental Care:
573-634-2400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3551 Amazonas Dr
Jefferson City, Missouri
65109
