We’re taught from the time we’re small to brush our teeth twice a day for good hygiene. That’s one of the lessons that our parents instilled in us, and that we pass on to our children. Brushing well is a part of creating healthy habits.

But, it’s easy to find yourself in situations where you can’t keep as clean as you’d like: a short lunch break, a night out with friends, an “I’m-too-tired-to-get-up” moment.

When you neglect to do even the bare minimum, you’re doing a real disservice to your health and your appearance.

THINK OF BRUSHING LIKE MAINTAINING YOUR CAR

A car is a major investment and is–in some way–a representation of who you are. If you want to maintain its looks and you also value your own comfort, you will try to keep it clean both inside and out.

You’ll buy air fresheners. You’ll pick up the water bottles and soda cans left in the door pockets. You’ll clean the dust from your dashboard.

However, you might still neglect your car between busy errands and school runs. It can become an unpleasant environment, even in spite of the climate control and a nice sound system.

By that point, a big cleanup takes time, and you can’t always cover up the stains and wear and tear. Likewise, if we don’t properly clean your mouth, you can run into problems that aren’t easy to fix.

SO, HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO BRUSH?

At Dream Smile Dental, we advise patients to brush at least two times a day. But some people need to brush more. For example, if you’re predisposed to gum disease or you’re trying to manage another serious dental problem, we might advise you to brush after every meal.

Brushing helps remove food and buildup from hard-to-see places. Most toothpastes also contain fluoride, which works to remove plaque and strengthen tooth enamel.

But just brushing isn’t enough. You will also need to floss and use mouthwash, and come to regularly scheduled dental hygiene appointments.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO BRUSH?

Do you really not have time to brush?

Brushing teeth can be tedious, but you could have brushed your teeth wonderfully (several times over) in the time it took you to read this far.

Here are some of the real reasons why we let neglect our hygiene:

• Not keeping a regular schedule
• Being somewhere we can’t brush
• Not having the right tools on hand

Luckily, we have some quick tips to help you keep fresh on-the-go.

CARRY A TOOTHBRUSH WITH YOU

You can carry your own toothbrush and toothpaste, or try Colgate Wisps, which are single-serve mini-toothbrushes that hide nicely in your purse or pocket. They’re ready-to-use right out of the packet.

USE TRAVEL TOILETRIES

Travel-sized toiletries are available at most gas stations, drug stores, and megalithic supercenters.

CARRY TOOTHPICKS OR FLOSSERS

Keep a packet in your purse in case the restaurant doesn’t have any. Or try flossers just to get you through the day, until you can clean your teeth the right way at home.

Whatever you do, be sure to brush and floss before bed, and use alcohol free mouthwash regularly.

CALL DREAM SMILE DENTAL TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE CLEANING WELL

Do you need more suggestions on how to clean your teeth the right way? Call us at (781) 330-0900 to get points on how to keep your teeth clean, or schedule your next dental exam.

Our expert dental hygienists Courtney and Stacey will help you figure out the best way to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright, even when you’re short on time.