Tips for Routine Dental Care When Your Schedule Changes

Dental hygiene practices should include more than brushing and flossing, but when life gets busy, routine dental care is all too often left to the bare minimum. Even when your daily schedule is uncertain, do not let oral health slip to a last-minute thought before jumping into bed. It is possible to develop dental care practices that create healthy teeth and gums without overloading an already busy to-do list.

Make lifestyle changes

Brushing and flossing twice a day are important for oral care, but they are not the only options for creating a healthy mouth. There are many choices made throughout the day that either help or hurt the cause for strong teeth and gums. Consider makings some of these minor changes.

Brush later, not earlier

many people brush their teeth right after having their breakfast, coffee, and juice in the morning. While it does help remove food residue from the teeth, the acidity found in citrus fruits temporarily weakens the enamel on the teeth. Brushing immediately after drinking or consuming highly acidic beverages or foods can remove the weakened enamel and leave teeth prone to decaying faster.

Change toothbrushes

It is recommended that toothbrushes be changed out every two to three months, but hard-bristled brushes should be replaced sooner. In fact, they should be entirely replaced with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium to firm toothbrushes are more likely to be abrasive on the teeth and cause damage over time. Remember that the teeth should be brushed in a circular motion with the brush held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.

Make a conscientious effort

Having a schedule that is constantly in flux can make it harder to remember to prioritize oral hygiene. Routine dental care should be a way of life, but at times, it takes a special effort to pay attention to healthy teeth.

Use reminder apps

With smart reminder apps, a phone can be transformed into a personal assistant. Installing an app that notifies the user of a regularly scheduled habit, such as dental care, makes it harder to forget devoting time to brushing or flossing. A scheduling app is also useful for keeping track of dental appointments.

Bring products along

Regardless of what is going on with the schedule, be prepared to address oral health by having dental hygiene products on hand. A travel toothbrush, small packet of floss, and mouthwash are small enough to be carried in a handbag, the glove compartment of the car, or a desk drawer at work. Keeping a dental care bag in these key locations keeps oral hygiene from being forgotten.

Schedule cleanings in advance

Rather than call in and make an appointment for a routine dental care cleaning at the time, schedule the next exam with the dental receptionist before leaving the office. Many offices send reminders out through a text or phone call several days prior to the visit, ensuring the appointment is not forgotten.