Taking care of your teeth isn’t just important to your oral health — it’s critical to your health overall. Studies show that dental care has a direct impact on your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and ability to live longer. We always recommend you brush and floss at least twice per day. Brush for two minutes (it always helps to set a timer on your phone). Only use a soft toothbrush and be sure to replace it often (at least every 3 months). As soon as you see the bristles start to bend, replace the brush because it’s lost its effectiveness. It’s a good idea to buy a value pack so you have multiple replacements. Set a time every day to floss, whether morning or night, whichever works. If you have an office door at work that closes, floss after lunch or set a timer on your phone as a reminder. Many people even choose to floss in the shower so it becomes part of their routine. And don’t forget to see your dentist at least twice per a year. Dental cleanings help to clean plaque and tartar off your teeth that normal brushing and flossing won’t. We also look for signs of tooth decay and other dental issues, so we can nip minor problems in the bud before they grow on to be serious and expensive tooth issues.