What you saw in the car’s rearview mirror was your own tired smile. The lip balm was still being applied, the coffee had gone cold, and there were at least a few reminders (one kid’s backpack on the front passenger seat) of all the things you’d been doing lately, as you noticed your tired smile.
It wasn’t “bad”. It didn’t seem broken. But what did show was how easily your smile could go unnoticed, which happens to most of us when other people are always needing our help. Smiles don’t require complicated systems to remain healthy and bright; they just require small and consistent habits that fit into everyday life.
Create A Daily Routine That Matters For Two Minutes
A quick brush will suffice when you’re in a rush; however, spending thoughtful time cleaning your teeth can do a lot more than you might realize. Place your toothbrush near where you spend most of your morning, such as near the coffee pot or in close proximity to the sink.
Clean along the gumline with some fluoride toothpaste. Apply gentle pressure. Using more force doesn’t clean your teeth better, and it may eventually cause irritation to your gums and damage to your enamel.
When you’re really busy in the morning, find something that you already do daily and incorporate brushing your teeth into that activity while the kettle is boiling. After washing your face. Before waking the kids. A routine only works when it seems almost second nature.
Avoid Drinking Coffee All Day Long
You won’t have to stop drinking coffee altogether. Most moms wouldn’t want that anyway. However, sipping coffee all day long allows acids and stains to sit on your teeth longer. Try limiting the amount of time you drink coffee and rinsing your mouth out after you finish each cup.
Also, if you add sugar to your coffee, this has greater importance. Water is essentially the unsung hero of a healthier smile. Have a water bottle in the car, by your computer, by the laundry basket, etc., every time you rinse your mouth, it will remove debris that was left from eating and will also prevent your mouth from drying.
Store Your Floss Where You Need It Most
Flossing at night sounds fine until you are completely exhausted and half asleep. Make it easier to floss regularly.
Put floss pick packs in places where you often carry items, such as your purse, medicine cabinet, or beside your bed. Even though it may not be the ideal moment to floss, use those floss picks whenever you remember. Consistency isn’t about looking perfect; sometimes, consistency is using floss in the car right before walking into a meeting.
Know When Not To Wait
A dull ache, swollen gum, cracked tooth, or sudden sensitivity is not something to “see how it goes” with for weeks. Moms are very good at pushing through discomfort. Your mouth should not have to pay the price.
Having a trusted dentist in mind before you need one makes stressful moments easier, especially when an emergency dental issue appears in the middle of an already full day.
The areas between your teeth are where issues can start without you realizing it. When you address these areas with regular flossing, you’ll have less risk of developing serious gum disease and maintain a brighter and healthier smile. All of this will make a huge difference in your overall confidence as a tired but smiling mom.
