Talking about dental care isn’t the sexiest thing in the world, I get it. I honestly get a lot of anxiety around going to the dentist and would rather not have to deal with it, but of course, such is life, and I have to. These pearly whites aren’t going to take care of themselves, so this mama does what she can to make sure my gums, teeth, tongue – everything – are healthy.

Because of the general angst that tends to surround going to the dentist, for today’s LIVE WELL I made this simple checklist that covers all your bases (kind of like we did with this general health checkup list a while back). It makes dental care seem like a cinch, and I hope it helps!

Find a good dentist

First step: find a good dentist. This may seem like common sense, but I’m a firm believer that not all dentists (and healthcare providers in general) are created equal. It’s important to see someone who has a good reputation – referrals are the best – and makes you feel at ease, because half the battle with dental care is the nervousness and anxiety that comes with it.

Regular checkups

Although checkups are only necessary twice a year, they can still feel so inconvenient. As tempting as it may be to call and cancel, don’t. They only take about an hour and are usually covered 100% by insurance.

Preventative care

Embrace the floss, people. It may seem like flossing doesn’t actually do anything, but it’s one of the simplest things you can do for your oral health, plus it can prevent gum issues, bad breath, tartar, etc. I love this brand’s floss, which is gentle and free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. And as for toothpaste, big fan of Davids.

Treat your teeth like you would the rest of your body

Thinking about this is what intrigued me to write about dental care. I workout, nourish and try to be very mindful about taking care of the rest of my body, so why would I not do the same for my mouth?

You can take a more non-toxic approach to it by trying oil pulling (with something like this or these) versus bleach for teeth whitening and using a homemade toothpaste made with coconut oil and baking soda (I’m liking this recipe) or one based on charcoal.

Did I forget anything? Would love to hear your tips to keeping dental care top of mind.