Let's face it: we all know we should brush our teeth twice a day, but sometimes life gets in the way, and it slips our minds. Maintaining excellent oral care doesn't have to be a chore. With a few simple tricks, you can make brushing your teeth a consistent part of your daily routine. Remembering to brush can become second nature, leading to a healthier smile and fewer trips to the dentist for complex procedures! Good prevention dentistry starts at home.
Link it to Existing Habits
One of the easiest ways to build a new habit is to attach it to an existing one. Think about what you already do every day without fail. Do you drink coffee every morning? Do you always check your email before you start working? Use these established routines as reminders to brush teeth. For example, tell yourself, "After I pour my morning coffee, I will brush my teeth." The consistency of your coffee routine will trigger the memory to brush. Similarly, at night, you could link brushing to changing into your pajamas or setting your alarm.
Visual Reminders
Our environment plays a big role in shaping our habits. Make brushing more visible! Place your toothbrush and toothpaste in a prominent location on your bathroom counter, not hidden away in a drawer. This visual cue will serve as a constant reminder. You can even use sticky notes! Place a note on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator, or even on your car dashboard. Short, simple messages like "Brush Teeth!" or "Smile Bright!" can be surprisingly effective.
Use Technology
We live in a digital age, so why not use technology to your advantage? Set reminders on your phone. Most smartphones allow you to set recurring alarms or notifications. Schedule two daily reminders specifically for brushing your teeth. There are also several apps designed to help you build and track habits, including oral care. These apps often include features like personalized reminders, progress tracking, and even gamification to make the process more engaging.
The Buddy System
Accountability can be a powerful motivator. Find a friend, family member, or even a coworker who also wants to improve their oral care routine. Agree to remind each other to brush your teeth. You can text each other in the morning and evening to confirm that you've brushed, or even just share a quick "brushing done!" message. Knowing that someone else is counting on you can provide that extra push you need to stick to your goal.
Reward Yourself
Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage habit formation. After a week of consistently brushing your teeth twice a day, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This could be anything from watching your favorite show to treating yourself to a healthy snack. The reward doesn't have to be extravagant; the key is to associate brushing your teeth with positive feelings.
By incorporating these simple strategies into your daily life, you can make remembering to brush teeth a breeze. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy smile.
Robert F Walker Jr. PC, 1120 South Dobson Rd. Suite # 105, Chandler, AZ 85286; (480) 786-4000; rwalkerdds.com; 1/13/2026; Associated Words: dentist Chandler AZ;
Let's face it: we all know we should brush our teeth twice a day, but sometimes life gets in the way, and it slips our minds. Maintaining excellent oral care doesn't have to be a chore. With a few simple tricks, you can make brushing your teeth a consistent part of your daily routine. Remembering to brush can become second nature, leading to a healthier smile and fewer trips to the dentist for complex procedures! Good prevention dentistry starts at home.