5 Signs You’re Adulting Right (According to Your Dentist)

Apr 17, 2025

Let’s be real: adulting is hard. Between paying bills, remembering to eat vegetables, and figuring out if that noise in your car is normal… it’s a lot. But your dentist? They can tell if you’re kind of crushing it. Here are five signs your oral health game says “I’ve got it together.”

1. You Actually Show Up for Your Appointments

You know who’s thriving? People who don’t ghost their dentist. If you’re scheduling and showing up for cleanings every 6 months (or at least trying to), that’s a major win. Bonus points if you don’t wait until your tooth hurts to call.

2. You Own More Than One Toothbrush (and You Replace Them Regularly)

Using that same frayed brush since sophomore year? Not a vibe. Adulting pros know to swap out toothbrushes (or brush heads) every 3–4 months. Even better if you’ve made the switch to electric—your gums will thank you.

3. You Floss… Without Being Guilt-Tripped Into It

Let’s not lie: most of us have fibbed about flossing at least once. But if you’ve made flossing part of your daily routine—because you want to, not just because you fear The Lecture—you’re entering elite adult territory.

4. You’ve Kicked the Soda Habit (or Cut Back)

Adulting isn’t about giving up everything fun, but it is about choosing your battles. Swapping daily soda for water or iced tea shows you’re thinking long-term. And your enamel? Stronger for it.

5. You Budget for the Dentist Like You Do for Groceries

Real talk: dental care isn’t free. But if you’ve started factoring it into your budget (whether through insurance, savings, or memberships), you’re prioritizing your health—and that’s peak grown-up energy.

Final Thoughts

Adulting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small, smart choices that set you up for a healthier future. And if your dentist gives you a gold star after your cleaning? You’re definitely doing something right.