The 2020 Oral Health Tracker from the Australian Dental Association revealed that only 53% of the Australian adult population brushes their teeth twice a day. Sure, people can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But neglecting your teeth care now may eventually result in more problems for your smile. Save yourself from potential stress with these time-saving tips that fit seamlessly into a hectic lifestyle.
Teeth Care Tips for Busy Lifestyles
Here are ways to keep your teeth healthy when you’re busy and avoid seeing the dentist for more serious concerns.
1. Keep a dental kit with you.
A packed schedule may lead you to ask, how can I take good care of my teeth? Of course, you wouldn’t want to enter a boardroom with the stench of morning breath. Give yourself peace of mind by keeping toothbrushes in strategic locations.
But don’t just stash your toothbrush with the stationary supplies. Find a travel pouch to store your dental goodies in and make sure you wash it regularly. You can also keep a dental kit in your car’s glove compartment or office desk drawer.
2. Brush your teeth in the shower.
If you’re looking to save pre-party prep time, consider brushing your teeth while you bathe. Pro tip: After applying conditioner to your hair, maximise your time by toothbrushing. This will let your tresses soak up all the moisturising goodness without wasting teeth-cleaning time.
3. Consider an electric toothbrush.
In matters of teeth care, it isn’t just how many toothbrushes you have scattered around. If you’re looking to save time, consider an electric toothbrush. The rotating action of the bristles can remove plaque more effectively and shave seconds off your oral care routine. Can’t take your eyes off the clock? Opt for an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to help you keep track of the time.
4. Use a mobile app.
If you prefer the fuss-fee usability of your good old manual toothbrush, maximise brushing by timing it. Download a dental app with a timer and other features to remind you to stay on top of your teeth care.
5. Consider using interdental floss.
It’s easy to forget to floss when you’re always in a rush, but overlooking this step puts your teeth care on the line. Interdental floss can help remove any food particles between your teeth missed by brushing. Keep a pack in your dental kit so you can make it to date night with a clean and fresh smile!
6. Don’t skip meals.
If you’re wondering how to improve oral health naturally, this tip is for you. It might seem unrelated, but skipping meals is bad news for your breath. Research from the International Journal of Dental Hygiene revealed that you are twice as likely to suffer from halitosis when you skip breakfast.
Yes, you can eat your way to better teeth care. Limit your intake of sugary or acidic foods. And go for high-calcium foods, like low-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, and other dairy products to promote strong teeth and bones. Crunchy fruits and raw vegetables, like celery, apples, and pears, can also help clean plaque and freshen your breath. If you’re always on the go, get your daily dose of glow foods to keep your teeth clean.
7. Drink more water.
Besides eating teeth-cleaning foods, load up on good ol’ H20 to ensure your teeth care. Keeping your mouth (and yourself) hydrated can rinse away any leftover food particles and prevent bacteria from accumulating. Additionally, research from Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence revealed that drinking fluoridated water can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent dental caries. Too busy to brush your teeth? Always have your jug handy and sip more often.
8. Chew sugar-free gum.
Your mother might have said chomping on chicle is rude in public, but in the name of teeth care, maybe she’ll let this one slide. The American Dental Association recommends chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow and stimulate taste receptors.
9. Avoid using home remedies.
While remedies like essential oils or a saltwater gargle may seem like quick fixes, they won’t be able to address specific dental conditions. They might even make matters worse. Always consult your dentist for proper medication to treat your problems.
10. Schedule dental checkups on a weekday.
Visits to your dentist may seem like an inconvenience with a schedule as busy as yours. But don’t wait until you have a serious concern before setting an appointment.
Find a dental clinic near your home or office and sneak in a visit in the middle of the week. Weekends and holidays are usually busier, so scheduling your appointment on a weekday may provide you with much-needed midweek respite. Book the first schedule of the day to avoid unforeseen delays, like when your dentist extends their time with the patient before you. You can also request text reminders from your dentist’s secretary so you don’t forget an appointment.
11. Choose time-saving orthodontic solutions.
If you are seeking orthodontic treatment but are too busy for frequent adjustments for metal braces, consider other time-saving approaches to fixing your teeth. Lighten the load of your packed calendar with ClearCorrect dental aligners. They’re more discreet and comfortable, and they don’t require as many trips to the dentist.
Proper teeth care is crucial to maintaining dental health, so don’t let it fall off your priority list. Adjustments to your hectic schedule won’t take much of your time – some creativity will take you there. What are you waiting for? Go, get to it! Your best smile awaits.
References:
Abe, M., Mitani, A., Zong, L., Zhang, C., Hoshi, K., & Yanagimoto, S. (2021). High frequency and long duration of toothbrushing can potentially reduce the risk of common systemic diseases in late adolescence. Special Care in Dentistry, 42(3), 317–318.
Aggeborn, L., & Öhman, M. (2021). The effects of fluoride in drinking water. Journal of Political Economy, 129(2), 465–491.
Chewing gum. (n.d.). American Dental Association.
Kotronia, E., Brown, H., Papacosta, A., Lennon, L., Weyant, R. J., Whincup, P. H., Wannamethee, S., & Ramsay, S. E. (2021). Poor oral health and the association with diet quality and intake in older people in two studies in the UK and USA. British Journal of Nutrition, 126(1), 118–130.
López, D. V. T., Moral, P. Á. V., & Castro-Sánchez, M. (2020). Eating habits and their relationship to oral health. Nutrients, 12(9), 2619.
Pediatric Dentistry. (n.d.). ScienceDirect.
Rani, H., Ueno, M., Zaitsu, T., & Kawaguchi, Y. (2016). Oral malodour among adolescents and its association with health behaviour and oral health status. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 14(2), 135–141.
State of Oral Health Equity in America 2022. (n.d.). CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
The Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ADA.
The Best Foods For A Healthy Smile and Whole Body | College of Dentistry | University of Illinois Chicago. (n.d.).
Toothbrushes. (n.d.). American Dental Association.
