Brush teeth

Brushing teeth is a quintessential component of everyone's morning routine. It's the cornerstone of dental hygiene, a practice that we're taught from our earliest years to prioritize for good reason. Waking up to that minty freshness not only preserves your pearly whites but also kick-starts your day with a feeling of cleanliness and preparedness.

At first glance, the act of brushing teeth might seem mundane, yet its significance cannot be overstated. A clean mouth wards off bacteria, which if left unchecked, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. These dental woes not only affect our health but can also impact social interactions and self-esteem. Therefore, dedicating a few minutes each morning to this ritual has long-term benefits that go beyond the teeth themselves.

While the basics are known to most of us – wet the brush, apply toothpaste, and clean every corner of the mouth – the quality of your brushing technique matters. It's advised to use circular motions and not just back-and-forth strokes, as this ensures all plaque and food particles are swept away. Don’t forget the tongue and roof of the mouth, areas often overlooked that can harbor bacteria. And, it's always better to spend a little extra time to be thorough than to rush through.

But let's talk about making it a steadfast habit. For many, the act of brushing in the morning is as automatic as putting on shoes before leaving the house. To reach this level of automaticity, it helps to set a consistent routine. Maybe your toothbrushing follows your first cup of coffee or is the last step before you dress. Linking the habit to another solid morning ritual can cement it in your daily flow.

Yet it's not just about sticking to a schedule; your environment plays a role. Keep your toothbrush visible and easily accessible, not hidden away in a cabinet. This visual cue can prompt the action even on mornings when you might be particularly groggy or rushed. And if you're someone who struggles with motivation, investing in tools like a flavorful toothpaste or an electric toothbrush can make the routine more inviting and even enjoyable.

Finally, remember the power of positive reinforcement. It could be as simple as acknowledging the clean and refreshed feeling after brushing or as direct as rewarding yourself with a healthy breakfast. Recognizing the benefit of fresh breath and a sparkling smile can reinforce your commitment to this worthwhile habit. As each morning passes, brushing your teeth diligently can become as natural as breathing — an automatic start to a day that promises health and vibrancy.

Track your Morning habits

The MyHabits app helps you with tracking this and many other habits related to health, home care and daily routines. Reminders, notification and weekly status reports assist you in getting good habits in and bad habits out.

The MyHabits app will be available for iPhone in early 2024. A version for Android will follow a few weeks later.