How to Set Goals for Your Oral Health
Posted by Oral-B Connect on Jun 16th 2020
From self-improvement to financial planning to career growth, everyone has goals. When was the last time you set a goal for your oral health?
Your oral health is a key part of your overall well-being. A healthy smile is not only good for your dental health, but it can make you feel good, too. Let’s discuss how to set a goal for your oral health and what you can do to make sure you achieve it.
Step 1: Choose your oral health goal.
Easy enough, right? Whether you choose a whiter smile, healthier gums or cavity prevention, it’s important to pick one and make it your focus. While all three can be achieved over time, it will be easier to find success if you start with just one. Once you choose your goal, monitor your brushing habits in your Oral-B Connect app to help track your progress!
Step 2: Develop an oral health plan.
The steps you’ll need to take will depend on the goal you’ve chosen. Identify the steps and supplies you’ll need — this may take some research on your end. Microsteps are a great way to start taking small steps toward a larger goal. Here are some tips to get you started:
If you want a whiter smile, make sure you have a teeth whitening toothpaste on hand that meets the needs of your teeth, especially if you have sensitive teeth or gums. Brush twice a day for two minutes with your whitening toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss.
Outside of your brushing routine, try to eliminate or minimize foods and beverages that are more likely to cause stains — like tea, coffee, berries and soy sauce. Also, if you are planning to use a teeth-whitening system like Crest 3DWhitestrips, then incorporate that into your routine as well.
For those with an Oral-B electric toothbrush, here’s a bonus teeth-whitening tip: Set your brush to the Whitening mode and use the 3D White toothbrush head which features a special polishing cup to help sweep away surface stains.
For healthier teeth and gums, buy a toothpaste designed for teeth and gum health. Brush twice a day for two minutes, and make sure to massage your gums gently with your toothbrush as you go (yes, your gums get a little massage!).
When flossing, use dental floss that will minimize any irritation, especially if you have sensitive gums already.
For Oral-B brush users: Set your brush mode to Gum Care, which is designed to gently stimulate gums. Try both the Sensitive Clean and the CrossAction brush heads to see which one feels the best on your teeth and gums.
For cavity protection, you guessed it — buy a cavity prevention toothpaste. Brush twice daily for two minutes, and don’t leave out the floss. Some people are more prone to cavities than others, so talk to a dentist about your dental health and if you need to be extra careful.
Avoid sugary or highly acidic foods like sodas and citrus fruits. But no need to completely abstain. Just make sure to brush your teeth after you eat any foods that increase your risk of cavities. That might mean planning ahead and bringing a mini toothbrush and toothpaste with you on the go.
For Oral-B brush users: Experiment with all 6 modes on your toothbrush to see which one feels the best on your teeth and gums. Daily Clean offers a comprehensive everyday cleaning and Pro-Clean provides faster bristle movement for a more intense clean feeling. Try the CrossAction brush head to ensure a thorough, tooth-by-tooth clean.
Step 3: Reward yourself for establishing better oral health habits.
Celebrate your achievements no matter how small. Perhaps take a selfie showing off your new smile (oh and tag us, we’d love to see your progress!). Or, treat yourself with some sort of reward for being cavity-free for X many months —hey, the little victories matter on your way to oral health success!
Once you choose your goal, it’s important to follow through. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to improved oral health in no time. As always, if you have any questions or need help, look no further than Oral-B Connect app.