The Ultimate Oilers Fan’s Game Day Routine: A Checklist for Peak Performance

Alright, Oil Country, let’s talk about something we all understand: the importance of a solid routine. We watch Connor McDavid follow his pre-game rituals to dominate on the ice. We see Stuart Skinner mentally prepare to stand tall in the crease. A great performance, whether in the National Hockey League or in your own life, starts with good habits and the right preparation.

So, let’s apply that championship mindset to something we all do but might overlook: our oral care. Think of it like this: a flawless power play unit doesn’t just happen. It requires the right tools, a clear strategy, and consistent execution. Your oral health is no different. Just as the Edmonton Oilers need every player, from Leon Draisaitl on the top line to the role players, to be at their best, your mouth needs a full-team effort beyond just brushing.

This isn’t about a fancy product pitch. It’s about building a simple, effective, and healthy habit—your own personal "game day" routine—that leaves you feeling fresh and confident, whether you’re heading to Rogers Place or just starting your day. We’re going to break down how to incorporate a key tool, a tongue scraper, into your lineup. Consider this your step-by-step guide to winning the oral care championship.

Prerequisites / What You Need for Your "Morning Skate"

Before the puck drops, you need your gear. Here’s your equipment list for this routine:

Your Trusty Toothbrush & Fluoride Toothpaste: The foundational duo, your top-line forwards. Non-negotiable.

A Reliable Tongue Scraper: This is your secret weapon, your elite power play quarterback. We’re using the example of a simple, effective plastic scraper (like a 12-pack you might find for the whole family) for this guide. It’s the Connor Brown of your routine—an underrated addition that provides a huge boost to the overall effort.

Floss or Interdental Brushes: Your defensive specialists, cleaning up the tight spaces the brush can’t reach.

Mouthwash (Optional): The celebratory horn after a goal. A nice finishing touch, but the real work is done beforehand.

A Mirror & Good Lighting: Your video review. You need to see the play develop.

Got your gear ready? Lace up your skates. It’s time for the main event.

Step-by-Step Process: Your 3-Period Routine for a Healthy Mouth

Period 1: The Foundation – Brushing and Flossing

This is where you establish your forecheck. Don’t rush the basics.

Start with Flossing: Before you brush, break up the play along the boards. Gently slide floss between each tooth, curving it around the base to clear out the debris that your toothbrush will later sweep away. Think of this as clearing the front of the net for your goalie, Skinner.

Brush Thoroughly: Use your fluoride toothpaste and brush for a full two minutes—that’s one period of hockey! Angle the brush at 45 degrees towards your gumline and use gentle, circular motions. Hit every surface: outer, inner, and chewing. Don’t forget the hard-to-reach areas, the league’s pesky bottom-six forwards hiding in the corners.

Period 2: The Power Play – Scraping Your Tongue

Now, we activate the man advantage. This is where you gain a real edge.

Inspect Your Tool: Hold your tongue scraper by the handles. Most have a gentle, curved edge. This is your special teams’ weapon.

Stick Out Your Tongue: Extend it fully. You want a clear path to the net.

Start from the Back and Pull Forward: This is the most crucial step. Never scrape from the front to the back. Gently place the curved edge of the scraper at the very back of your tongue. If you gag, start a little farther forward. You’ll build tolerance, just like a rookie adjusts to the playoff pace.

Apply light but firm pressure and pull the scraper forward towards the tip of your tongue in one smooth motion. You’re looking to remove the thin, often whitish coating of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells.

Rinse and Repeat: After each pass, rinse the scraper under warm water. Repeat steps 5 and 6, moving across your tongue from side to side, until you’ve covered the entire surface and no more residue is coming off. Usually, 4-6 passes does the trick. You’ll be amazed at the difference in how your tongue looks and feels—clean and pink, ready for the third period.

Period 3: The Final Buzzer – Rinsing and Inspection

The game isn’t over until the horn sounds. Finish strong.

Rinse Everything: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Give your scraper a final, good clean with soap and water, then let it air-dry.

The Optional Mouthwash Rinse: If you use mouthwash, now’s the time. Swish for the time recommended on the label. This is like the team saluting the fans after a win at Rogers Place—a perfect, refreshing finish.

Post-Game Review: Take a second to smile in the mirror. Feel that clean? That’s the feeling of a complete, 60-minute effort.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best players, from the Art Ross Trophy winner to the Hart Memorial Trophy recipient, focus on the details. Here’s how to elevate your game and avoid penalties.

Pro Tips:
Consistency is Key: Do this routine twice a day. Championship teams aren’t built on one great game; they’re built on daily dedication. Make this as habitual as checking the Oilers' latest standings.
Be Gentle: Your tongue is sensitive tissue. Use light pressure. The goal is to remove the coating, not to scrape the surface raw. Finesse over force, much like Draisaitl’s passing touch.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps reduce bacteria and keeps your mouth from feeling like the Sahara Desert. Think of it as keeping your energy levels high for overtime.
Replace Your Tools: Just as a stick loses its pop, a tongue scraper can wear out or become less effective. Replace it every few months, or if you see any cracks or damage.

Common Mistakes (The Minor Penalties):
Mistake #1: Scraping Back-to-Front. This is the high-sticking foul of tongue scraping. It pushes bacteria into your mouth and towards your throat. Always go back-to-front.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Scrape. Just brushing is like only playing offense. You’re leaving your defensive zone—your tongue—exposed. Up to 50% of the bacteria in your mouth live on your tongue!
Mistake #3: Brushing Too Hard. You’re not scrubbing the boards at Rogers Place. Aggressive brushing can damage gums and enamel. Use a soft touch.
Mistake #4: Using Your Toothbrush. The bristles of a toothbrush are designed for teeth, not the textured surface of your tongue. They are less effective at removing the coating and can trigger the gag reflex more easily. Use the right tool for the job. Head coach Kris Knoblauch wouldn’t put a goalie on defense, right?

Your Game Day Oral Care Checklist Summary

Print this out, stick it on your mirror, and execute it like the Oilers execute a 3-on-2 rush. A complete routine takes less than five minutes but pays dividends in freshness and health all day long.

Gather your gear: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, tongue scraper.

First Period – Foundation: Floss between all teeth.

Brush teeth thoroughly for two minutes (all surfaces).

Second Period – Power Play: Rinse toothbrush and prepare tongue scraper.

Stick out tongue and place scraper at the very back.

Using light pressure, pull scraper forward to the tip.

Rinse scraper clean under water.

Repeat scraping until tongue is clean (4-6 passes).

Third Period – Finish Strong: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.

Clean scraper with soap, air-dry.

(Optional) Use mouthwash as a final rinse.

Smile. You’ve just completed a full-team effort.

Building this habit is about more than just fresh breath; it’s about taking a bit of that Oilers dedication to excellence and applying it to your own life. It’s a small win you can secure every single morning and night. Now, you’re ready to face the day—or cheer on the Oilers during their next Stanley Cup Playoffs run in the Western Conference—with undeniable confidence.

Want to share your own game-day rituals with fellow fans? Dive into the conversation over in our /oilers-culture-fan-community hub, where we talk about everything from pre-game superstitions to the best ways to support the team.

The Ultimate Oilers Fan’s Game Day Routine: A Checklist for Peak Performance