Several Surprisingly Unique Ideas for Committing to Excellent Oral Health

Committing to good oral health is important, but you need the right habits to see real results. 

Creating healthy habits can have a major impact over time. As James Clear says in “Atomic Habits,” “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”

Healthy oral habits start with a solid brushing and flossing routine. You need to make sure to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and teeth cleaning as well. However, you can also take advantage of these 5 creative tips to establish better oral health habits in your daily life.

1. Make It Easy to Eat Healthily

Eating healthy is vital to ensuring good oral health, but sticking to a healthy diet is easier said than done. You can follow a few simple tips to make choosing healthy foods a lot easier.

First, make sure that your fruits and veggies are clearly visible in your fridge. Don’t hide them away in a crisper. Instead, get some clear glass containers so that every time you open the fridge, you’re greeted by a variety of healthy choices.

Avoiding overstocking your fridge is important for the same reason. Too much clutter and you won’t notice the healthy options you have available. It’s easier to make healthy decisions at the grocery store once than trying to do so every time you open the fridge.

2. Find the Right Tools for Dental Hygiene

Establishing a brushing and flossing routine is an absolute necessity for maintaining oral health. However, even if you brush twice each day and follow the right brushing technique, there are still ways to improve your routine.

Electric toothbrushes really are the way to go. They deliver exceptional cleaning and reach. You can find a great option with the ADA-accepted Oral-B Pro 5000, which offers a variety of advanced features. Multiple cleaning modes, Bluetooth technology, and more make brushing better than ever with this toothbrush.

If you’re not one for bells and whistles, then you can go with the more standard, also ADA-accepted Oral-B Pro 1000. Effective brushing action and a built-in timer let you make the most of your brushing routine. 

The best toothbrush is the one that works for you. You can always go with a good manual brush like the Oral-B Pro-Health All-in-One Manual as well.

Whichever toothbrush you choose, make sure to organize your bathroom to incorporate your oral care tools in a way that keeps them convenient to use.

3. Hydrate Your Way

Staying hydrated can greatly improve your oral health. Drinking water frequently helps rinse away bits of food and excess bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease in your mouth.

You can make staying hydrated easier by choosing a fun water bottle that is uniquely yours. Having a distinct design that stands out as “your water bottle” makes you more likely to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sticking with regular water is best, but some water flavorings are acceptable. Stay away from anything acidic, including adding lemon juice, as acidic drinks affect your enamel. Alternatives such as watermelon or cucumber (or a combination of the two) can make for a flavorsome drink that is gentler on your teeth.

4. Make Cooking a Group Activity

Home-cooked meals are a tremendous benefit when maintaining oral and overall health. However, finding the time and motivation to cook healthy meals can be a challenge. You can make it easier by turning cooking into a group activity.

Take the time to cook with friends and family, making what was once a tiresome task into a social event. Everyone can find encouragement to cook and eat healthily by working together.

For something truly exciting, you can host your own cooking contests, by having everyone create their own healthy recipes. You’ll have lots of fun and add some variety to your healthy food options at the same time. Try some of these easy recipes to get you started. 

5. Stay Up-to-Date on Dental Trends

Dentistry is always moving forward with new products and technology that can help you enjoy better oral health both at home and at the dentist’s office. One of the best ways to stay up-to-date is to follow a dentist you trust on social media.

You’ll receive frequent updates on best practices that you can implement at home and the procedures that make the biggest impact on your health and appearance. And watching satisfying videos of plaque removal and deep cleanings can keep oral health at the forefront of your mind.

Of course, you want to make sure that you only put your trust in reliable sources. You can verify any information you find through sources such as the ADA’s MouthHealthy website.

Your Trent Woods and New Bern Dentist

How you handle your diet and dental hygiene at home has a big impact on your oral health; however, it’s no substitute for visiting your dentist regularly.

At Oxley Comprehensive Dentistry, our compassionate team provides comprehensive treatment planning and procedures using the latest technology. From cosmetic and restorative makeovers to dental emergencies, we offer exceptional oral care to all of our patients. Schedule your next appointment by contacting our office today.