How to Add More ‘Smart Goals’ to Your Oral Care Routine

Your oral care routine is a great time to work on your oral health goals and beyond.  Microsteps can help you use small actions to achieve bigger goals. And using another method called “smart goals” can work in combination with microsteps on your journey to success.

Paired with your daily teeth cleaning, you’ll be well on your way to achieving more goals in no time!

What Are Smart Goals?

Smart goals are an often-used method for setting and achieving goals. The name is an acronym for the characteristics one should consider when making goals:

Specific

When setting smart goals, make sure to be specific, choose concrete deadlines, and set clear expectations. For example, instead of “I want to floss more” the goal could be “I want to floss twice a day before starting my brushing routine.”

Measurable

Ensure any goals you set are trackable and you can pace your path to progress.

Achievable

Lofty goals are nice, but can be hard to reach. Your goals should be realistic and actionable, and most importantly, capable of being achieved.

Relevant

Choose goals that makes sense to your current state. For example, pick one that is related to your career, life stage, work team, physical capabilities, or improving your daily routines.

Time-bound

While there is a time and place for long-term goals, when making a smart goal, choose one with a concrete deadline. This will keep you focused and moving forward.

How Can You Make Smart Goals Part of Your Oral Care?

Want to learn a new skill or progress in your career? Since you have two minutes, twice a day, dedicated to brushing your teeth already, your daily brushing routine is the perfect time to focus on the things you want to achieve — and turn them into smart goals. You can use this time to do the following:

• Brainstorm goals you want to achieve.
• Break down your goal into small actionable steps.
• Determine ways to measure your goals.
• Set realistic deadlines.

How Do Microsteps Work with Smart Goals?

Microsteps are all about  habit stacking — stacking small goal-achieving steps onto pre-existing habits. This method can easily work together with your smart goals.

For example, if your goal is to have a whiter smile, set a six-month deadline for yourself and use whitening strips, like Crest 3DWhitestrips, to work toward that goal. You could even plan your next dentist appointment at the end of the six-month period to measure your success. A microstep within that goal could be applying your  3DWhitestrips after you brush your teeth in the morning — stacking a new habit onto a pre-existing one.

What Are Some Examples Dental Health Goals?

Your goals don’t always have to be career or family focused. Improving your oral health is a great place to start. Consider setting goals like having a whiter smile, improving your gum health, regularly using mouthwash or preventing cavities. All of these goals can be smart goals with microsteps that set you up for success.