When you have a busy lifestyle, it’s easy to forget small tasks like brushing your teeth or flossing. It’s okay not to be perfect, especially when you have so much on your plate. However, small “mistakes” add up over time when it comes to your oral health and hygiene. If your busy lifestyle is keeping you from practicing good dental care and habits, your teeth and gums may eventually pay the price.
So, how do you continue to maintain good oral health when your life is scheduled from sun-up to sundown? Here are some simple strategies to try.
Brush and Floss at the Same Time Each Day
You’re more likely to remember to do something when it’s an established part of your routine, and when you do it at the same time each day. If brushing and flossing are not already a part of your routine, it’s time to change that. Maybe you brush your teeth immediately after breakfast every morning. Maybe, in the evening, it’s the last thing you do before climbing into bed. Pairing tooth brushing with other activities you do remember to complete will help keep you from forgetting.
Keep a Toothbrush at the Office
There may be days when you reach the office and realize you forgot to brush. If you have a spare brush at the office, you can brush before your workday starts. Or, you can brush when you take a break mid-morning.
If you do keep a brush in the office, make sure you keep it in a good case. This will help keep it clean and reduce exposure to germs. It doesn’t hurt to keep a roll of dental floss and some mouthwash in the office, too. You could keep all these items together in a small kit.
Set a Timer
Experts recommend brushing for 2 – 3 minutes at a time. When you’re really busy, it’s tempting to rush through the brushing process, which often means you’ll miss a spot or do a less thorough job.
To keep yourself from racing the clock, set a timer for 2 minutes each time you brush. You can keep a physical timer in the bathroom, or you can use one on your phone. Encourage others in your family to use the timer, too. It’s a good habit to get into, regardless of how busy you are.
Consider Flossing Picks
Flossing is really important for good dental health. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, but you need to floss to get the gunk out from between your teeth. Unfortunately, when you’re busy, there is a tendency to skip flossing, or to skip the teeth that are harder to reach.
If you find yourself skipping flossing sessions, consider buying flossing picks instead. People often find them easier to fit between their back molars. They can save you a minute or two – and when you’re super busy, every minute counts.
Schedule Your Dental Appointments Early
Most people should have a dental checkup and cleaning appointment every 6 months. When you’re busy, it’s really tempting to put this off. Then, before you know it, a year has passed and you haven’t scheduled an appointment.
When you wait too long between appointments, it becomes harder for the dental hygienist to effectively remove tartar from your teeth. Cavities and other issues also have more time to worsen before they’re caught, which can make them harder to address or treat. So, it really is important to stick to your dentist’s recommended appointment schedule, even when you’re busy.
Patients often have an easier time if they schedule their appointments well in advance. When you have one dental visit, set up the next one. This way, you can schedule meetings and other appointments around your dental appointment, treating it like the priority that it is.
Find a Dentist Close By
Find a dentist whose office is close to your home, your place of work, or another place you visit frequently. This way, you won’t have to spend as much time driving each time you need dental care. It’s easier to see the dentist if you can stop on your way to or from work, or on your way to drop your child off at practice.
If you’ve been super busy lately, you’re not alone. A busy lifestyle has its merits, but it’s important not to let your dental health slide when juggling multiple responsibilities. Follow the tips above for best results, and don’t hesitate to contact Coast Dental Centre if you’re looking for a new dentist in the Maple Ridge area.