Dental health problems requiring the help of an emergency dentist, like tooth decay and periodontal disease, are both some of the most common and most preventable health concerns in the United States.

A shocking 74% of Americans have periodontal disease in some form — but there are 154,000 dental practices throughout the country, and Americans spend about $1.8 billion on toothpast every year, which means there’s no reason not to see a dentist or brush our teeth regularly.

Think about your current dental hygiene habits. If you aren’t following a regular routine of brushing, flossing and seeing a dentist for regular check-ups, you could be putting yourself at risk for gum disease, which can lead to even more harmful health problems like diabetes and heart disease that dental insurance won’t cover.

Here are the top five ways you can easily improve your dental hygiene:

1. Visit your dentist. Regularly visiting your general or family dentist is essential for keeping your teeth clean and for preventing serious complications from developing. Experts recommend you see your general dentist twice a year for check-ups. Don’t wait until you have a toothache to make a dental appointment!

2. Brush your teeth. Ideally, you should brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste. It’s best to brush after meals or before bed. Only 56.8% of women brush their teeth twice daily as recommended — don’t be one of these people!

3. Floss your teeth. Flossing cleans the sides of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach, and is one of the most commonly-ignored aspects of dental hygiene. By remembering to floss at least once a day, you can kiss plaque buildup goodbye and make your visits to the dentist quick and easy.

4. Regularly replace your toothbrush. Did you know that 75% of Americans don’t replace their toothbrushes as frequently as they should be? Dentists and the American Dental Association advise that you get a new toothbrush every three months or so to make sure you’re brushing your teeth with bristles that are in good condition.

5. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks. It can be easy to forget about the damage that too much sugar can do to your teeth. You should avoid candy and soda and instead snack on fruits and vegetables, which taste good and help keep your teeth clean with their high fiber content.

Making permanent changes to your dental hygiene routine is incredibly easy, and you can start improving your oral health right now. There is no better time to start treating your smile better than right now. More like this blog.