{"id":104345,"date":"2023-04-25T11:58:09","date_gmt":"2023-04-25T10:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/?p=104345"},"modified":"2023-10-11T12:43:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T11:43:15","slug":"mindful-tooth-brushing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/mindful-tooth-brushing\/","title":{"rendered":"Mindful Tooth Brushing"},"content":{"rendered":"

It does what is says on the tin!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

It may seem a bit odd, but how about starting and ending your day with a calm mind and sparkling smile? We are talking mindfulness and toothbrushing = mindful toothbrushing!<\/p><\/div>

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Mindfulness put simply, is being present with whatever we are doing at that time. Focusing on everyday activities and being aware of the moment is a way of taking a few minutes out of a busy day to calm your mind and take some \u2018me\u2019 time. Turning tooth brushing into a mindfulness exercise can set you up for the day, improve quality of sleep, and maintain good oral health with the benefits to overall health and wellbeing.<\/p>

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Brushing our teeth is something many of us do on autopilot, with our minds bouncing all over the place. Running through the upcoming day, reflecting what you plan the next morning\u2026 our brains are often running all over the place with little focus on the task in hand i.e., toothbrushing.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Try mindful toothbrushing \u2013 a great way to calm our busy minds and improve our oral hygiene! Being present in the moment – that\u2019s at least 2 minutes \u2018me and teeth\u2019 time, twice a day.  Good for your mind and your body.<\/p>

Consider where you brush your teeth? Are you a wanderer? Multitasking? That probably results in rote brushing \u2013 autopilot cleaning isn\u2019t ideal for oral health!  Maybe time to stop in the bathroom and focus on the task in hand? Literally!<\/p>

How to Brush your Teeth Mindfully<\/h2>

Below is a guide to brushing your teeth mindfully \u2013 the key is focusing on the moment and clearing your mind of everything else.<\/p>

  1. Focus on where you are.<\/strong>  What can you see? What can you hear?   <\/li><\/ol>

    It\u2019s about noticing – no need to overthink. Just don\u2019t let your mind wander off, be present in the moment.<\/p>

    1. Focus on your toothbrush<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 how does it feel, look?<\/li><\/ol>

      What colour is your toothbrush?<\/p>

      Is the handle heavy, comfortable to hold?<\/p>

      Are the bristles splayed? (A sign of wear and an upgrade required!)<\/em><\/p>

      How do you hold your brush? (The palm of your hand? Like a pen?)<\/em><\/p>

      1. What about toothpaste<\/a>?<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

        Is it a tube?<\/p>

        What brand is it? (Many people use whatever\u2019s there).<\/em><\/p>

        What colour is the paste?<\/p>

        The sensation of placing toothpaste on your brush? (No need to wet the brush btw).<\/em><\/p>

        Pay attention. Slow down. Notice what you are doing.<\/p>

        1. How does your mouth feel as you spread toothpaste around all the teeth<\/strong>?<\/li><\/ol>

          Where is your arm, how does feel?<\/p>