5 Tips for a Sustainable Care Routine

Hey there Juni friends! There is no denying that we live in a society that is constantly on-the-go. From the superhero momagers to the weekend warriors, we’re always looking for a way to simplify our daily grind (thanks, caffeine!) Despite our busy schedules, self-care routines are on the rise. In fact, research shows that developing and sticking to a daily self-care ritual can positively impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. Your oral-care routine is an important part of this process! Here are some tips to help you brush-up on the basics:

Choose Your Brush Wisely 

To keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best, the American Dental Association recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to help protect your gums and get the most out of your brush. Using a brush with harder bristles can lead to a significant loss of enamel and can cause damage to your gums, so be selective with your brush and treat your teeth with care!

Don’t Rush your Brush

According to the ADA, the recommended time to spend during your brushing routine is two minutes. While this may seem like an eternity in microwave time, these two minutes will go by faster while singing a portion of your favorite song, playing a quick round of candy-crush, or even doing a wall-sit (if you are a gym class hero feeling up to the challenge). The ADA also recommends brushing at least two times a day to prevent and manage plaque build-up.

Know When it’s Time to Say Goodbye (and mean it)

Don’t treat your toothbrush like that old t-shirt you never wear yet just can’t seem to get rid of. Replace your brush every 3-4 months or once the bristles become matted or frayed.  Older brushes can also hide bacteria (eww, we know), so out with the old and in with the new to keep your brush so fresh and so clean!

Practice Makes Perfect

Its alllll in the technique. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to ensure you are covering to the gums and ensure you are covering outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Go Beyond the Bristle

Like any other element of an effective self-care routine, there are many steps beyond just brushing that you can do to improve and sustain your oral health. Daily flossing will help tackle those hard-to-reach spots that you can’t get with your brush (and will keep your dentist smiling, too!)