It might surprise Americans to learn one of the qualities that make them stand out among people of other nations is their shiny white teeth. But as health care in the United States becomes more expensive and fewer people are able to afford dental insurance, Americans need to take precautions to ensure their pearly whites don’t lose their luster.

The American Dental Association recommends children begin visiting the dentist before their first birthday. And the best way to get children to visit the dentist is to lead by example. A recent National Health Interview Study of children age 2 to 17 found that those whose parents visited the dentist were more likely to have seen a dentist as well.

But many parents, even those with dental-care policies, put off dental visits for themselves and their children, in part to save the cost of large deductibles and co-pays. As a result, the incidence of cavities in children is increasing. According to the study, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States—especially among minority and lower-income children.

In an attempt to offset these statistics, in recent years dental-care advocates have moved to teach pediatricians and other health-care providers to provide basic dental care during regular checkups. The idea has merit since the condition of teeth and gums is an indicator of overall health, and any amount of oral care is better than none.

Try to find a way to get at least one dental checkup a year. And if you have children, see that they get at least one checkup, too. Whether you’re hoping to be the envy of the world—or simply make a good impression in a job interview—a bright white smile is an invaluable asset.