We all want that just-left-the-dentist sparkle without, you know, actually going to the dentist every day. The good news? You don’t need a complete life overhaul, just a little consistency and a few clever nudges to make brushing your teeth feel less like a task and more like a treat.
Because here’s the thing: when you make tooth brushing an automatic part of your daily routine, you’re not just keeping your mouth clean. You’re investing in your oral health, protecting your gums, and giving your future self something to smile about (literally).
Let’s break down how to go from “Oops, I forgot to brush again” to “Look at me, brushing twice a day like a pro.”
why building a brushing habit matters
Your teeth do a lot for you. They chew your food, help you speak clearly, and flash a winning smile. So, showing them some love with a solid brushing habit? Totally worth it.
Consistent oral hygiene doesn’t just help prevent cavities and plaque buildup; it also fights gum disease, keeps your breath fresh, and supports your overall health.
And let’s not forget the confidence boost. There’s something about a clean mouth that makes you walk a little taller and grin a little wider. So if you’re ready to make brushing stick, keep reading for the following tips:
#1 set a consistent brushing schedule
Brushing isn’t just about technique. It’s about timing. Doing it at the same time every morning and night helps lock it into your brain as something that just... happens. No overthinking. No skipping. No oops-I-forgot.
Start small:
- Wake up? Brush.
- Pajamas on? Time to brush again.
By linking tooth brushing to another daily action, you’re giving your brain a cue that says, “Hey, it’s toothbrush o’clock.”
#2 make brushing part of a morning and night ritual
Your oral care routine should feel like a ritual, not a chore. Make brushing part of your morning glow-up or nighttime wind-down.
Try this:
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Morning = rinse face, brush teeth, sip water, deep breath, start your day.
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Evening = skincare, cozy socks, brush, floss, bed.
Pairing brushing with routines you regularly do makes it easier to stick to. It’s like habit-stacking, but with fluoride and fresh breath.
#3 keep your toothbrush in sight
Out of sight, out of mind? That applies to toothbrushes, too. Tucking yours into a drawer might seem tidy, but if you’re trying to build a new habit, visibility is your friend.
Set it out next to your sink, in a cute holder, or anywhere it’ll catch your eye. A visual cue is a gentle nudge that says, “Hey, don’t forget to show your teeth some love.”
And hey, if you’re brushing with a hello adult toothbrush—or helping your kid with their own hello kids toothbrush—you’ll both be brushing in style. These brushes don’t just sit pretty, they’re designed with soft, tapered bristles that are gentle on gums but tough on plaque. Plus, their sleek, minimalist design makes them the kind of toothbrush you want to see every day. You can always ask your dental professional about brushing techniques: they’ll make your efforts more efficient and personal.
#4 use a toothpaste you actually like
If you’re going to brush twice a day, you might as well enjoy it. That starts with a toothpaste you actually like—one that tastes good, feels good, and works for your smile.
Whether you're into a bold peppermint, something gently charcoal-infused, or a kid-friendly flavor for the little ones, there’s a hello toothpaste that fits your vibe.
Lucky for you, the adult toothpastes and kids toothpastes at hello are formulated with ingredients you’ll recognize (and can pronounce), like:
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Hydrated silica to help lift stains gently
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Fluoride to strengthen enamel and fight cavities
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And zero artificial sweeteners, dyes, SLS, or other stuff your mouth didn’t ask for
In other words? Clean, effective oral care that’s as feel-good as it is shelfie-worthy.
#5 set a timer or use a brushing app
We love a scroll sesh, but two minutes can feel loooong when you’re brushing your teeth. That’s where timers and brushing apps come in handy. They’re like your hype squad, keeping you on track without the guesswork.
You can:
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Use your phone timer
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Download a brushing app (yes, those exist and yes, some are weirdly fun)
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Play your favorite 2-minute song while you brush (cue the dance party)
Not only does this help you brush for the full two minutes, but it also keeps your focus from drifting to all the things you need to do next.
#6 reward yourself for sticking to the routine
It's true that building a habit takes effort. So why not celebrate the small wins? Whether you’re brushing every night before bed or finally hitting that magical “twice a day” goal, give yourself a little pat on the back (or a full-on mini dance party, we don’t judge).
Your rewards can be simple:
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A gold star on your calendar
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A fancy cup of coffee the next morning
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A guilt-free scroll after your oral hygiene routine is locked in
For kids or unmotivated brushers (hey, we all have off days), this strategy works wonders. Positive reinforcement keeps the vibe light and the smile bright.
#7 track your progress
There’s something weirdly satisfying about checking off a box. Habit tracking works because it makes the invisible... visible. When you see your streak growing, it’s easier to keep going.
You can:
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Use a habit tracker app
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Mark a calendar with fun stickers
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Create a checklist and hang it on the bathroom mirror
And if you miss a day? No stress. Just start fresh the next morning. Progress over perfection is the name of the game.
#8 make it a family affair
Accountability makes everything easier, and a little more fun. So if you're trying to lock in a good brushing routine, bring your crew along for the ride. Whether it’s your partner, roommate, or your child, brushing together makes the habit feel more like a team sport and less like a solo mission.
Try these:
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Brushing at the same time each night
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Setting a family goal, like 7-day brushing streak
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Turning it into a “who can brush longer” contest with your kids
It’s also a great way to model healthy oral care for the littles. When they see you caring for your smile, they’ll want to do the same, especially if your toothpaste looks way cooler than theirs.
keep showing up for your smile
The truth is, building any new habit takes time. Some days you’ll be all in with your fluoride-packed toothpaste, cute toothbrush, and a two-minute jam. Other days, you might be half-asleep and doing the bare minimum. That’s life.
But the goal isn’t perfection, it’s showing up for your teeth, your oral health, and your future self. Every time you choose to brush, floss, or rinse, you’re creating a ritual that supports a cleaner mouth, healthier gums, and a brighter smile.
And when your toothpaste tastes great, feels great, and looks like it belongs on a shelfie? You’re way more likely to actually use it. That’s where hello comes in—designed to make brushing feel less like a chore and more like a moment of self-care.
