Try these dentist-approved tips for a healthier smile in 2025

Did you know your mouth can signal signs of chronic illness in other parts of the body? The mouth is the gateway to the entire body and good oral health habits can bring full-body benefits, especially as we age.

“Oral diseases can significantly impact systemic health, and preventive oral care routines are critical to reducing associated health risks, including cardiovascular conditions,” said Daniel W. Croley, DMD, chief dental officer for Delta Dental Insurance Company.

If you’re looking to make sustainable changes to your personal health in 2025, first re-evaluate your oral health routine. Start with these easy dentist-approved habits to elevate your total wellness in 2025.

Back to basics

Good oral health begins with the “2-1-2 Rule”: brush twice a day, floss at least once daily and visit your dentist twice annually for dental cleanings. People experiencing certain milestones, including  menopause or pregnancy, should discuss with their dentist whether there is a need for additional annual cleanings to support their shifting healthcare needs.

Pick the right floss

The goal of flossing is to clean between the teeth to remove bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach – like cleaning between your fingers to wash your hands effectively. Preventing plaque buildup is essential to preventing tooth decay and cavities, so opt for floss that will empower you to floss around each tooth at least once daily.

“The best tool for cleaning in between the teeth is the one that’s easiest for you to maneuver between teeth,” said Karen Samuels, DDS, and dental policy manager at Delta Dental Insurance Company. “Whether it’s thread floss or a water pick, what matters is consistency in your oral health routine. Having watched patients struggle with traditional thread floss, my philosophy is to pick the tool that you will use daily.”

Keep it clean

More than 700 species of germs and bacteria live in your mouth. Further, blood, bacteria, and food particles are swept up by a toothbrush during cleanings, which can get stuck between the bristles and create.

To prevent bacteria buildup between uses, store your brush somewhere with enough airflow to dry out its bristles after thoroughly rinsing them with water.

“There is no hard and fast rule about the number of months a brush should last,” said Dr. Samuels. “What’s key to keeping your toothbrush clean is storing it somewhere with enough air flow to sufficiently dry its bristles between cleanings."

There are several methods to disinfect your toothbrush between cleanings, but bristle appearance is the best indicator of whether a toothbrush is ready to be tossed. Manual or electric, once the bristles start to show signs of wear and tear – like curling outward – it’s time for a new brush.

Keep it simple

In the modern digital age, we are constantly bombarded with advice – the good, the bad, and the myths. Dr. Samuels recommends keeping individual oral health routines simple and tailored to support personal preferences and ignoring social media trends promising profound results.

“There’s a lot of noise out there about oral health, like whether you should floss before or after brushing” said Dr. Samuels. “As long as you’re getting it done, it doesn’t matter which order you brush or floss in. The bottom line to good oral health is establishing a routine that you can commit to.”

Learn more

Maintaining oral health is key to supporting total wellness, and consistency is key to tending to your smile.  For more expert oral health tips, visit Delta Dental’s Wellness Library.