The 2026 Oral Health Checklist: Essentials for a Brighter Smile
Oral care is evolving. Just a few years ago, most routines boiled down to a toothbrush, a tube of paste, and a twice-a-year reminder from your dentist. Today, our understanding of oral health is deeper and more holistic than ever. The latest research highlights strong links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, while new tools make it easier to care for your teeth and gums with confidence. From smart-tracking toothbrushes to gentler, more effective materials, modern oral health has expanded options to support the good habits you want to bolster or to begin.
Yet even with all this innovation, the core principles haven’t changed. Healthy smiles are still built on simple, consistent habits: brushing and flossing daily, seeing your dentist regularly, and making mindful lifestyle choices that support your teeth and gums long-term. What has changed is how much support we have to make those habits easier and more enjoyable to maintain.
This year’s Oral Health Checklist brings these worlds together: the timeless practices backed by decades of research, and the contemporary tools that help you follow through. It’s designed to be both practical and approachable, giving you clear steps you can start today while introducing modern solutions that can elevate your routine. With quip’s thoughtfully engineered, science-aligned products and this year’s list for practical tips and information, you’ll find simple ways to build consistency, improve technique, and stay motivated day after day to hit your oral health goals.
Whether you're refreshing your routine or starting from scratch, this year is the perfect year to align your habits with the latest guidance in oral health. Let’s take a closer look at the essentials, including what to focus on, why it matters, and how small daily actions can lead to your healthiest, brightest smile yet.
1. Consistent Brushing and Flossing
The fundamentals never go out of style, and the basics of at-home dental care are brushing and flossing. For brushing, dentists recommend brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before you go to bed each night, accompanied by daily flossing. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Dentists advise brushing with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. [6] The recommended optimal brushing technique is to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, while rotating the brush, in particular along the gumline where plaque and debris can build up. [4] Brushing should last a total of two minutes of brushing each time. [1] [2] [3] [6] The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that a toothbrush with a built-in timer can help with hitting the optimal brushing time, [1] and dentists are increasingly recommending electric toothbrushes for this feature along with their ability to help users with proper plaque removal technique, especially if you have braces or trouble holding a manual brush. [3] [5] For that 2-minutes, spend 30-seconds on each quadrant of your mouth, including the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. [4] A premium electric toothbrush like quip’s Ultra™ Next Generation Smart Sonic Electric Toothbrush or Rev Oscillating Toothbrush have built-in two-minute timers with 30-second pulses to remind users to move to the next quadrant for a thorough and complete brush. [7] [8]
For toothbrushes, dentists recommend changing the brush every three months. [2] [3] quip offers a cost-effective, convenient and timely subscription option for its brush heads, floss picks and more to help keep those items fresh and ready to maintain your oral health. With a subscription plan for your quip toothbrush, you’ll receive a new brush head to replace your old one every three months just as dentists recommend. [14]
Flossing is another important step to daily dental care, with dentists recommending flossing from once a day to each time you brush. [3] [9] [4] [6] The ADA states that flossing either before or after you brush is fine as long as you floss thoroughly, with string floss or another type of between-teeth (or “interdental”) cleaner. [9] A popular and effective way to floss that goes beyond string is quip Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser that uses continuous water flow to push out debris and remove up to 99% of plaque. [10]
2. Regular Dental Checkups
Along with at-home care for your teeth and gums, professional dental care remains essential. Regular cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy, and regular checkups allow dentists to catch early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, enamel wear, or oral cancer. These checkups typically involve a professional cleaning, screening for cavities or gum disease, X-rays if needed, and personalized coaching on home-care improvements as the dentist deems appropriate. The ADA recommends having a full dental checkup every six months, or more frequently if you have higher risk or condition that calls for it. [11] When additional dental visits are needed, follow your dentist’s recommendations as provided.
Managing Dental Anxiety
Some people may experience nervousness or anxiety around visiting the dentist. [12] As a way to help you manage such stress, the ADA and professionals such as Dr. Tien Jiang at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine recommend speaking to your dentist and other healthcare professionals for guidance around managing anxiety and for suggestions around coping strategies. [12] [13] For example, as you speak to your dentist about your concerns, you and your dentist might discuss a signal such as raising your hand during an exam if you need a break. [13] Examples of self-regulation techniques may include listening to music on headphones during procedures if the sounds bother you, squeezing a stress ball or using a fidget spinner, or engaging in mindfulness and relaxing breathing techniques. [13] While these are examples of potential strategies, people are unique and so are their stressors and best coping strategies for them. Speak to your dentist and healthcare professionals regarding your concerns and work together for stress-reduction strategies to see which may work best for you.
Utilizing Dental Benefits
Dental insurance plans, either offered through employee benefits or other avenues, often include preventive services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays at reduced to no out-of-pocket cost. These plans and reduction in costs can help make routine visits a routine and cost-effective way to maintain oral health and avoid bigger, costlier problems later. Often plans offer additional reductions to other dental care if needed, such as filling a cavity or other dental work. [15]
Because many dental benefits reset annually, unused coverage often disappears at the end of the year. Understanding what your plan covers, including annual maximums, deductibles, covered services, and provider networks, can help you make the most of what you’re already paying for with your plan. [16]
For those without employer-sponsored coverage or anyone seeking more flexible options, many dental practices offer their own membership savings plans. These typically include preventive care plus discounts on additional treatments for a flat yearly or monthly fee. They’re not insurance, but they can make care more predictable and affordable. [17]
Another important step is to schedule preventive visits early and consistently. [15] Dentists can help spot small issues, like early cavities or gum inflammation, before they turn into major concerns that may require expensive procedures. When you need care beyond your routine visits, keeping track of remaining benefits and asking your dental office to help estimate costs based on your plan can also prevent financial surprises.
3. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Choices
Healthy diet and lifestyle choices play a powerful role in maintaining strong teeth and gums, complementing the care you receive at your dentist’s office and your at-home care like daily brushing and flossing.
Balancing sugar intake is another cornerstone of oral health. Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria that produce acids capable of eroding enamel and leading to cavities. While sugary treats can fit into a balanced diet, enjoying them in moderation reduces their impact on your teeth. Likewise, limiting acidic beverages such as sodas, sports drinks, and citrus juices can help protect enamel from acid wear. When you do enjoy them, using a straw and rinsing with water afterward can provide a small yet meaningful layer of protection. [18] In addition, habits like drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, and increasing fiber intake help neutralize acids and stimulate saliva production. [19] [18] [20]
Lifestyle choices extend beyond what’s on your plate. Habits like regular brushing and flossing work best when paired with behaviors that protect your mouth long-term, such as avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol. Smoking and smokeless tobacco dramatically increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer, while excessive alcohol consumption can dry the mouth and increase decay risk. [21] [22]
Finally, mindfulness around daily routines can make a marked difference in oral wellness. Reaching for tooth-friendly snacks such as crunchy vegetables or nuts instead of sugary foods can keep you satisfied while minimizing cavity risks. [18] Chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates saliva, which helps neutralize acids and protect enamel. [18] Even small choices, like ending meals with a glass of water or avoiding constant snacking, can reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to harmful acids. When healthy eating patterns and intentional lifestyle habits work together, they create a strong foundation for lifelong oral health and fewer complications down the road.
How quip Supports Your Oral Health Goals
From their powerful yet gentle electric toothbrushes to convenient and effective water flossers to teeth whitening strips to help keep that smile bright, quip is there to support you in maintaining your oral health goals this year and beyond.
quip products can make it easier to turn good oral-care intentions into healthy, sustainable habits this year. Their electric toothbrushes, for example, are designed with simplicity and consistency in mind, including featuring effective yet gentle vibrations, a built-in two-minute timer, and 30-second quadrant pulses help guide users to brush evenly and for the dentist-recommended amount of time. [7] [8] [14] This takes the guesswork out of brushing technique and helps reinforce a routine that supports stronger enamel and healthier gums. Because quip brushes are lightweight and travel-friendly, they also help families stay consistent with their oral-care habits even on busy mornings or while traveling.
Beyond brushing, quip also offers tools that support a more holistic approach to oral wellness. Their Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser helps make cleaning between teeth more approachable for both adults and kids by improving comfort and accessibility, which can be two of the biggest barriers to building a daily flossing habit. By offering a subscription-based refill plan, quip helps ensure that fresh floss and brush heads arrive right when they’re needed. This removes a common obstacle: waiting too long to replace worn-out supplies, which can reduce the effectiveness of daily care routines.
Quip’s ecosystem also includes smart features and family-friendly products that can encourage long-term healthy lifestyle choices. For example, their smart toothbrush models can track usage through an app, offering gentle reminders, rewards, and progress insights. [14] This helps keep both kids and adults engaged and motivated, turning oral care into a consistent part of a broader healthy lifestyle, just like staying active or making nutritious food choices. By pairing thoughtful design with behavioral nudges, quip products help bridge the gap between knowing what to do for oral health and actually doing it every day.
Conclusion: Your Healthiest Smile Yet Starts this Year
A brighter, healthier smile in 2026 doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from making good choices habits. Foundational habits like brushing, flossing, and regular checkups remain the backbone of oral health, while innovative tools like smart brushes, water flossers and subscription services and leading oral health technology to track and reinforce good habits helps even the busiest person stay on track.
Whether you're upgrading to quip’s smart toothbrush, looking for a flossing option you’ll actually use, or building healthier daily habits and dental routines, each choice moves you closer to a confident, vibrant smile. This year is the perfect time to continue your good work and begin new healthy habits you’d like to create. Small steps, repeated daily, lead to lifelong results. With quip products on your counter and in your travel bag, you’ve got an edge on creating and maintaining those habits and showing off those bright smiles!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a dental checkup?
Most people should visit their dentist every six months for cleanings and exams, though those with gum disease or high cavity risk may need more frequent care. Regular checkups help detect issues early and prevent long-term complications. [11]
What should a daily oral health routine include?
A complete routine includes brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and engaging in healthy eating and lifestyle choices. This routine should also be supported by dental visits at least twice a year. [1] [2] [3] [4] [11]
Why are regular dental cleanings important?
Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate, lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease. They also allow your dentist to spot early signs of decay, inflammation, or oral cancer. [11]
How does oral health affect overall health?
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections due to inflammation and bacteria entering the bloodstream. [23] Maintaining oral health protects both your smile and your overall wellness.
References
[1] American Dental Association. Home Oral Care.
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/home-care
[2] Simply Health. A Dentist’s Guide to Brushing.
https://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/healthy-living/how-to-look-after-your-teeth/dentists-guide-to-brushing
[3] Mayo Clinic (July 23, 2023). Healthy Lifestyle, Adult Health: When and how often should you brush your teeth?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193
[4] Heidi Godman for Harvard Health (Sept. 27, 2024) What’s the right way to brush your teeth?
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-the-right-way-to-brush-your-teeth-202211232854
[5] Oral Health Foundation (June 25, 2019). Electric Toothbrushes Win the Head-to-Head Against Manual in Breaking New Study. https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/electric-toothbrushes-win-the-head-to-head-against-manual-in-record-breaking-new-study
[6] Elizabeth Cohen for NBC News (Aug. 24, 2025). These leading dental experts say you're probably brushing your teeth wrong.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/how-to-brush-floss-teeth-properly-dental-experts-advice-rcna222911
[7] quip. Ultra™ Next Generation Smart Sonic Electric Toothbrush. https://www.getquip.com/products/dusk-quip-ultra-next-generation-smart-sonic-electric-toothbrush
[8] quip. Rev Oscillating Toothbrush.
https://www.getquip.com/products/black-night-metal-rev-oscillating-toothbrush
[9] American Dental Association. Floss/ Interdental Cleaners. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/floss
[10] quip. Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser.
https://www.getquip.com/products/all-black-metal-rechargeable-cordless-water-flosser
[11] Perri Ormont Blumberg for Time Magazine (June 10, 2025). How Often Should You Really Go to the Dentist?
https://time.com/7289262/how-often-should-you-go-to-dentist/
[12] Tien Jiang for Harvard Health (Dec. 18, 2019). Drills, Needles, and Pain, Oh My! Coping with Dental Anxiety.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-dental-anxiety-2019121818475
[13] Mouth Healthy™ from the American Dental Association. Anxiety: 3 Ways to Stop Fearing the Dentist.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/anxiety/
[14] quip. Smart Sonic Toothbrush.
https://www.getquip.com/collections/smart-sonic-toothbrush
[15] Les Masterson for Forbes (Jan. 10, 2025). Is Dental Insurance Worth It? https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/dental-insurance/is-dental-insurance-worth-it/
[16] Restoration Smiles. Top 5 Questions About End-of-Year Dental Benefits Answered.
https://www.restorationsmiles.com/top-5-questions-about-end-of-year-dental-benefits-answered
[17] American Dental Association. Patient Financing Options. https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/patient-financing-options
[18] Dental Health. How Sugar Affects Your Smile.
https://www.dentalhealth.org/how-sugar-affects-your-smile
[19] Dental Health. The Role of Hydration in Oral Health. https://www.dentalhealth.org/the-role-of-hydration-in-oral-health
[20] Swarnamali et al., 2023. Role of Dietary Fibre in Managing Periodontal Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Intervention Studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10536522/
[21] Gajendra et al., 2023. Effects of tobacco product use on oral health and the role of oral healthcare providers in cessation: A narrative review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9875717/
[22] Penn Dental Medicine. Alcohol and Oral Health: What You Need to Know. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/is-alcohol-bad-for-your-teeth/
[23] Mayo Clinic. Oral health: A window to your overall health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475