---
title: It’s time for your oral health check-in
description: Many healthy habits contribute to our oral health, from exercise to eating vegetables. Learn more about how your smile and overall health are connected.
image: https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/hubfs/Oral%20Health%20Month.png
---

- [Home »](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com)
- [Top Dental and Wellness Stories »](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com)
- It’s time for your oral health check-in

# It’s time for your oral health check-in

 March 19, 2025

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Oral Health Month](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Oral%20Health%20Month.png?width=635&height=332&name=Oral%20Health%20Month.png)

If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, you are already well on the path to maintaining good oral health habits.

But how much exercise do you get each day? And are you eating your vegetables? While these questions may not seem related, they are more closely tied to your oral health than you think.

So, have a seat and get comfortable: it’s time for your oral health check-in.

## When was the last time you bought a new toothbrush?

Take a moment to look at the toothbrush resting in your bathroom. Can you remember how long it's been there? If the answer is a blur, it might be time for an upgrade.

Experts recommend swapping out your toothbrush [every 3-4 months](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-often-should-you-change-your-toothbrush-7968548#:~:text=Signs%20Your%20Toothbrush%20Needs%20an%20Update%20*,Bristles%20are%20very%20soft%20to%20the%20touch.) or immediately after recovering from an illness to minimize the risk of reinfection. While your dentist may provide tailored advice, many suggest using [a soft-bristled toothbrush with rounded tips](https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/soft-vs-hard-toothbrush). These softer bristles are easier on your gums, and the rounded tips help prevent any abrasions that can occur if you brush too hard.

Pro tip: Store your toothbrush upright and in a spot where it can breathe. This will help it dry out properly between uses, keeping it fresh and clean.

 

## How many crunchy or leafy vegetables are you eating per day?

If the idea of chowing down on broccoli, carrots, or spinach doesn’t exactly set your taste buds tingling, you’re definitely not alone in that sentiment. Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service reveal a concerning trend: around [90 percent of individuals](https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2024/september/satisfying-fruit-and-vegetable-recommendations-possible-for-under-3-a-day-data-analysis-shows) fail to meet the vegetable intake recommended by dietary guidelines, and a striking 80 percent do not consume enough fruit. This veggie gap means that our overall health, including the health of our teeth, is missing out on vital vitamins and nutrients—like a pizza without the cheese, it just isn’t complete!

Crunchy vegetables like carrots not only make for a satisfying snack but also help boost [saliva production](https://www.universitypediatricdentistry.com/Education/nutritious-delicious-summer-snacks), which acts as a natural rinse to wash away food particles and bacteria. Leafy greens, particularly spinach, are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that not only safeguard tooth enamel but also help combat gum disease, making them a true superhero for your smile. 

So, let’s not “leaf” out these greens from our plates! Discover more about the vegetables that promote oral health and learn how to transform them into mouthwatering dishes in this [article](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/ways-to-eat-oral-health-dental-friendly-vegetables-recipes-0). After all, when it comes to eating your veggies, you don't want to be left in the "roots" of poor health!

## When did you last floss?

At first glance, you might think flossing is just another chore in your dental routine. After all, if you’re already brushing your teeth, why bother with flossing? The truth is, incorporating[ flossing](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/ask-the-expert#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20purpose%20of,variable%20from%20patient%20to%20patient.) into your daily habits is crucial, and here's why: brushing alone simply doesn’t cut it.

When you brush, you’re only tackling about 70% of your tooth's surface. That leaves a significant 30% of your mouth vulnerable to harmful bacteria, which can lead to serious health issues down the line. So, don’t underestimate the power of flossing! [Here’s how to](https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/how-important-is-flossing) elevate your flossing game.

Quick Tip: Your dentist can easily tell if you’ve just picked up the floss for the first time right before your appointment. There’s no fooling them! To truly benefit your oral health, make daily flossing a non-negotiable part of your routine.

 

## Are you clenching your jaw right now?

When we’re stressed, our body takes on a multitude of symptoms: sweaty palms, upset stomach, headaches, you name it. But our oral health can also suffer from stress in the form of [TMJ disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941), tooth grinding and even increased risk of gum disease.

But by finding ways of coping with and alleviating the tension within, a ripple effect will be triggered that will help reduce or even eliminate oral health-related stress symptoms. Try some [stress reduction techniques](https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/about/index.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/features/reduce-stress.htm) or speak with your doctor or dentist about specific symptoms.

**Tip: **Take a pause to remind yourself to unclench your jaw and relax your shoulders. You may be carrying tension you didn’t know you had.

 

## How much exercise do you get each day?

Exercise is often celebrated for its benefits to our physical health, but did you know it also plays a vital role in [maintaining our oral health](https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee/bewell/getmoving/how-can-exercise-improve-oral-health-.html#:~:text=Exercise%20Can%20Boost%20Oral%20Health&text=One%20study%20published%20in%20the,those%20who%20led%20sedentary%20lives.)? It’s true! Just a quick 10-minute brisk walk can help you chip away at the recommended [150 minutes of moderate exercise](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916#:~:text=You%20can%20do%20strength%20training,activity%20part%20of%20your%20lifestyle.&text=With-,Edward%20R.%20Laskowski%2C%20M.D.,below%20and%20resubmit%20the%20form.) per week, as advised by the Department of Health and Human Services. While we usually think of exercise in terms of heart health, lung capacity, and weight loss, its impact on our oral well-being is equally noteworthy.

A fascinating study shows that regular physical activity can lower the risk of gum disease by an impressive [54% for non-smokers](https://www.dentistryofwisconsin.com/blog/2021/08/12/can-exercise-prevent-gum-disease/#:~:text=Colgate%20conducted%20a%20study%20that,and%20fewer%20overall%20health%20issues.). This protective effect comes from the fact that even a brief 20 minutes of exercise can kickstart a response in your body that helps fight chronic inflammation, a key player in gum disease.

So, how can you easily incorporate more movement into your life? It’s simpler than you might think! Remember, you don’t have to train for a marathon to reap the benefits—every little bit of activity counts!

The key takeaway: Maintaining a healthy smile involves much more than just brushing your teeth. By prioritizing your overall well-being, you can greatly enhance your oral health.

### Search for

Search

### Recent Posts

- [5 brushing mistakes you're probably making](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/5-brushing-mistakes-youre-probably-making)
- [6 Manly tips for men’s health](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/6-manly-tips-for-mens-health)
- [Kickstart your morning with a 5-step oral care routine](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/kickstart-your-morning-with-a-5-step-oral-care-routine)
- [5 things to take with you on your summer vacation](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/5-things-to-take-with-you-on-your-summer-vacation)
- [Root canal or extraction - What’s the difference and why should you care?](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/root-canal-or-extraction-whats-the-difference-and-why-should-you-care)

### Archives

- [June 2026 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (5)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/07)
- [February 2024 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/03)
- [January 2023 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/07)
- [May 2020 (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/05)
- [February 2020 (10)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (8)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/archive/2020/01)

see all

### Categories

- [dental care costs (7)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-costs)
- [dental care for adults (24)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-for-adults)
- [dental care for children (19)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-for-children)
- [dental care for employees (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-for-employees)
- [dental care for families (26)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-for-families)
- [dental care for seniors (22)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-for-seniors)
- [dental care for students (11)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-for-students)
- [dental care procedures (13)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-procedures)
- [dental care tips (48)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/temp-for-dental-care-tips)
- [dental care trends (12)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-care-trends)
- [dental discount plans (11)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-discount-plans)
- [dental emergencies (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-emergencies)
- [dental insurance (11)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/dental-insurance)
- [digital hygiene (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/digital-hygiene)
- [eating well (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/eating-well)
- [health care costs (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/health-care-costs)
- [health insurance (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/health-insurance)
- [mental health (8)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/mental-health)
- [money (3)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/money)
- [nutrition (2)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/nutrition)
- [oral health & diet (5)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/oral-health-diet)
- [wellness discount plans (1)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-discount-plans)
- [wellness for adults (54)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-for-adults)
- [wellness for employees (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-for-employees)
- [wellness for families (36)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-for-families)
- [wellness for seniors (23)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-for-seniors)
- [wellness services (4)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-services)
- [wellness tips (66)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-tips)
- [wellness trends (8)](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/topic/wellness-trends)

[see all topics](https://blog.edentalsolutions.com/oral-health-check-in-overall-health-tips-0#)