While it may be a routine task like eating or sleeping, brushing your teeth can be an equally important task for your health—yes, beyond ensuring you have shiny teeth, didn’t leave any green veggies behind in your smile, and that your breath is a bit fresher. Did you know, according to the Dental Health Foundation of Ireland, that bacteria from the mouth can travel and cause infection of other parts of the body if the immune system is compromised? How about that cancer and heart disease share common risk factors to oral health diseases? Or  that medicines you take for other conditions may impact your oral health, such as by reducing saliva or changing the balance of oral microorganisms (bacteria)? [1] Beyond a pearly smile, there are many reasons it’s important to keep your mouth and teeth healthy!

Many of us are good at brushing our teeth at least once or twice a day, but many of us (myself included!) skip flossing regularly. Here are the steps you should take—and not skip—to keep your mouth healthy [2].

More details can be found at Healthline.

It can also help to make your dental care routine something you enjoy! While I used pharmacy points to buy a $200 electric toothbrush, a manual one works just as well if you’re using it properly. But my outrageously priced toothbrush makes my teeth feel really good, and provides pulses to tell me when to switch quarters of my mouth!

As well, finding a 2-3 minute podcast that can last you through your dental routine, including brushing, flossing, and mouthwash if you use it, can help it feel like less of a chore. For kids, the podcast Chompers can help motivate them—but, keep an eye on them, I recommended Chompers to a coworker, and she said her daughter loved the podcast but she just stood there with her toothbrush hanging out of her mouth, so focused on the podcast! Don’t get distracted (yes, adults, too!). 🙂

Per to the Dental Health Foundation of Ireland, risk factors for oral/dental and other chronic diseases include [1]:

It takes only a few minutes a day to make sure your mouth stays healthy. And from enjoying delicious foods to talking to those around you—or even communicating with a smile!—and even helping you breathe easier at times, keeping your mouth and teeth healthy is important! If your oral care routine needs a reboot, there’s no better time than today—World Oral Health Day—to start!

Have you checked out our Etsy shop? In addition to our main shop, you can find some new items including pet tags and new medical ID bracelet styles that aren’t available on our website! Check it out!