Living in rural Idaho has its perks. From breathtaking scenery to friendly communities, it’s hard to imagine calling anywhere else home. But one of its greatest bennies can also be a setback: distance from big city resources.

It may not bother you to drive a distance to buy groceries, but basic health services can be quite the commute—including dental care.

Compared to urban cities, a lack of access to dental care drastically affects rural communities. People living in the country have higher rates of untreated decay, are 2x as likely to have tooth loss and a lower commitment to consistent dental care.

How can a small-town smile stay healthy? Here are 3 tips:

1. Commit to a routine.

Eating healthy and committing to a good dental routine helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But it’s also important to have your teeth checked by a professional.

Even if the nearest dental office is far away, it’s still important to make an appointment every 6 months. Find the dentist nearest you and schedule your next appointment.

2. Seek out resources.

If a dentist is difficult to find, or if care is out of your budget, find out if any universities or non-profits provide dental care in your area.

3. Do not “do-it-yourself.”

Even if you’re handy and know how to fix everything yourself, when it comes to dental care, you could cause more harm than good. It’s best to leave it to a professional.