Flowers. Cards. Gifts. Breakfast in bed. A day of relaxation. If you’re a mom, you may get special treatment on Mother’s Day.

Why wait for Mother’s Day? You spend a lot of time making sure your family is healthy and happy, but you also deserve to focus on yourself. Take great care of your oral health every day with these tips, and you’ll see the results in your smile and overall health.

1. Choose healthy snacks. 

Packing a healthy snack for your kids? Don’t forget yourself! Pick these mouth-friendly favorites:

• Crisp pears, apples, carrots and celery can clean cavity-causing plaque from teeth and help freshen breath. 
• Cheese and low-sugar yogurt are packed with calcium to protect and strengthen tooth enamel.
• Peanuts are a good source of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. 
• Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content is full of antioxidants that can help protect against oral diseases, washes off your teeth easier than other candies and has less sugar than milk or white chocolates! So even your Mother’s Day treat may be good for your smile.

2. Keep your oral health routine on your to-do list. 

If you’re busy and tired from caring for others, it may be tempting to occasionally skip your oral hygiene routine. Take time to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time and floss daily. Practicing a great oral health routine can help you avoid dental issues, which saves time (and money) down the road.

Add a reminder to your calendar to change your toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles look worn. A new toothbrush will make your brushing time especially effective by removing more of the plaque that causes cavities. 

3. Discuss your health with your dentist.

Your dentist may even help with your overall health by spotting signs of diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. Make sure to let your dentist know if you are pregnant, going through menopause or taking medications, including birth control, as this can influence your oral health, treatment and medication options.

Hormonal changes during your period can make your mouth sensitive and cause swollen or bleeding gums, canker sores or swollen salivary glands. Talk to your dentist if you have these symptoms.

Take great care of your oral and overall health and you’ll feel special every day!