Timing is Everything
Studies have shown that it takes a full 30
days to form a long-lasting habit. During that first month, it is important to
perform the habit every day. If you allow yourself “cheat days”, it can make it
significantly more difficult to solidify the habit.
If possible, perform the habit at the same
time every day to get your mind in a subconscious routine. After a month of
regularly performing your new habit - say, flossing - it should come naturally!
Plan for Success
When creating a new habit, start simple.
Considering your oral health, start by forming the daily habit of flossing your
teeth. Once that has become a natural part of your routine, you can start
eliminating sugary drinks and foods to further protect your dental health.
Help remember the habit by giving yourself
reminders. Set up alerts on your phone alarm and calendar, or tape notes for
yourself in areas you will regularly see them. Visual reminders can be
incredibly helpful in keeping you on track.
Replace bad habits with good ones to reduce
the temptation of going back to them. Giving up soda and other sugary drinks?
Replace that liquid consumption with water. For extra flavor to help prevent
boredom, infuse your water with cucumber or lemon and basil. Trade candy for
fresh fruit. Berries make a great substitute for that sour candy craving!
Reward each step of the process by keeping
track of your new habit with a bullet journal or sticker chart. It may seem
juvenile at first, but the feeling you get from regularly rewarding yourself
for accomplishing the day’s goal can be a great motivation and reminder to help
keep you going strong.
Forgive Yourself
As you set out to start your new habit this
season, remember that no one is perfect. If you stumble and drink a bunch of
sugary lemonade, or if the day gets away from you and you forget to floss, it’s
not the end of the world. Remind yourself why you’re working toward your new
healthy habit and get back to killing it the next day. You can do it!
Your Missouri Dentist
At Access Dental and Dentures, we know that forming a new habit can be difficult and sometimes even seem impossible. But we also believe you can do it, and we will be right here to help you along the way. Contact our office near you to set up an appointment and get started on the journey to a healthier you!
We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!
1-877-DENTIST
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