I love brushing my teeth. It is one of the most important and satisfying acts of hygienic improvement, in my opinion.

Now let’s consider toothpaste. I am going to assume that most people have preferences for flavor, as well as taste for whatever the packaging of a toothpaste says it does (whitening, tartar control, gum protection, what-have-you). Over years of nightly ritual, people tend to get set in their type of toothpaste. They find one they enjoy. They buy it again. Eventually it’s not even a choice, but merely a standard. They become accustomed to that flavor; to that consistency. They are content.

I got a new type of toothpaste. Opened it up last night. It was that white, grainy-looking paste kind. With the little spots of mint color? You know the kind. You know there’s baking soda somewhere in it. You’re not sure how you know. You just do.
What’s funny is I use the kind that’s smooth. Stripes of pure white and pure mint. Squeeze it out like a striped ribbon onto my toothbrush. Been using that kind for years.

And yet… this new kind… It’s amazing. It feels better. It tastes better. I don’t know what made me choose it. I just know that I needed this change.

You can stick with the same toothpaste month after month, year after year—and be perfectly content.
Or you can take a risk. Buy a new kind. At worst: a month or two of dissatisfying brushing before you return to your previous flavor. At best: something new and exciting that replaces your old standby.

Try switching things up every once in awhile.

(P.S. this doesn’t only apply to toothpaste)