A lot of people struggling to brush their teeth

Are you one of those people who always mean to brush their teeth but somehow never quite get around to it? You’re not alone. One research study found that almost a third of Americans fail to brush their teeth daily, and 2% of Americans don’t brush their teeth at all. It can be hard to remember to do it every day, especially if you’re feeling tired or are busy. Whatever your reason for not brushing your teeth as regularly as you’d like, this post is here to help you. No judgement, just a helpful guide to make brushing your teeth become a habit.

But what happens when you stop brushing your teeth regularly? Tooth decay and gum disease can set in, which can lead to more serious health problems down the road. Thankfully, it’s never too late to start the habit of brushing your teeth regularly. Here are some tips on how to make brushing your teeth a part of your daily routine.

The consequences of not brushing your teeth

Before we dive into how to make brushing your teeth a habit, let’s first talk about why it’s so important to brush your teeth in the first place. A lot of people think that the only consequence of not brushing their teeth is bad breath. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Not brushing your teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing, it can turn into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove and can only be done so by professional cleaning at the dentist. Tartar can lead to gum disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can eventually lead to tooth loss. So not only is bad breath a consequence of not brushing your teeth, but also potential tooth loss.

How To Make A Habit Of Brushing Your Teeth

Schedule it

Put it on your calendar or in your diary. Whether you set a daily alarm on your phone or add it to your to-do list for the day, putting brushing your teeth on your schedule will help you remember to do it. It might seem a bit odd at first to add something so small to your schedule or to-do list, but after a while you will brush your teeth without thinking about it.

Put your toothbrush and toothpaste where you can see them

Set out your toothbrush and toothpaste. If you want to make sure you brush your teeth regularly, one simple tip is to keep your toothbrush and toothpaste out in the open. This one seems obvious, but if your toothbrush is already out and ready to go, you’re more likely to use it.

Use a timer

Using a timer can help you develop brushing your teeth into a healthy habit. If you’re not used to brushing your teeth with a timer, it might seem like a bit of a hassle at first. But once you get used to it, it can be a helpful way to ensure that you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes.

Add brushing your teeth into the middle of your established routine

If you brush your teeth after breakfast or before bed, eventually it will become second nature and you won’t even have to think about it anymore. For example, if you usually go to the kitchen and eat breakfast immediately after you wake up, try adjusting this to going into the bathroom first. Once you’re in the bathroom you will see your toothbrush and toothpaste and this is your cue to brush. After brushing your teeth you can then go and enjoy your breakfast. It’s a small change to your morning routine but it will soon become a natural habit.

Reward yourself for brushing your teeth

For every week that you manage to brush your teeth every day you can treat yourself to something you enjoy. Whether it’s a new book, a trip to the movies, or something else entirely. Seeing those rewards will help motivate you to keep going even when it feels like a chore.

Conclusion – How to get into the habit of brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth may not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s definitely important for both your oral health and overall wellbeing. Just remember to be patient with yourself. Creating any new habit will take time and effort. After a while, brushing your teeth will become second nature and it will be part of your daily habits.