I’m sitting at my desk this morning. Other than having too little sleep, I just don’t feel right. Then it dawns on me, “You didn’t brush your teeth after breakfast.” Dental hygiene is a priority.

Thursday mornings are tighter than most. Up at 5:15. Brushed my teeth then. Dental hygiene is a priority. Prayer meeting at 6:00am. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Home by 7:15. Getting kids ready for school. Grab a bite. Cup of coffee. Pack my lunch. Off by 7:50. Drop the kids at school. Office by 8:15.

So, I’m sitting here a little foggy headed around 9 going, “What else is wrong with me this morning?” Please, refrain from adding your comments. And then, as I said, I realized I needed to brush my teeth. Dental hygiene is a priority.

What’d I do? Brushed my teeth, of course. Yes, I’ve got a spare toothbrush & toothpaste at work. Top right desk drawer. Because, as you know, dental hygiene is a priority.

Sure enough, once my mouth was clean, my whole body felt better. A little better anyhow. Goes to show you that dental hygiene is a priority.

Maybe there is an axiom here: A clean mouth makes you feel better.

My dentist didn’t pay me to write this. But maybe I’ll forward it to him so he can be proud. And I didn’t write this to convince you that dental hygiene is... you know. I wrote as reminder to me, and to you.

A clean mouth—clean of selfish, prideful, angry, judgmental, gossiping, divisive, wicked, or any unwholesome words—makes you feel better.

A clean mouth makes others feel better too.

Keep your mouth free from perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.—Proverbs 4:24 NIV