A new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your health habits, and your smile is a great place to start! Even small changes today can prevent bigger dental problems tomorrow. With some smart and simple goals, you can enjoy a healthier, brighter smile all year long. Here are a few practical resolutions that are easy to make—and to keep.
Work On Your Brushing Technique
Most people already brush twice a day, but how you brush matters just as much. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, aim for two full minutes each time. Gentle, circular motions at your gumline help remove plaque without damaging enamel or signaling your gums to retreat.
Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months!
Make Flossing a Daily Habit
If flossing is the easiest part of your dental health routine to overlook. But that’s not going to be you this year. Floss once a day to clean between your teeth, curving the string around each one. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease in these tight spaces.
If you struggle with traditional floss, you can also try floss picks or a water flosser to make the habit more manageable.
Commit to More Regular Checkups
How many times did you go to the dentist last year? If it was less than two, it’s time to bump the number up. These visits allow your dental team to remove hardened tartar, screen for cavities and oral cancer, and check your gum health. Catching small issues early can prevent more serious and costly ones later on.
Rethink Your Snack Choices
Sugary snacks and acidic drinks can subtly wear down your smile over time. Choosing water over soda or sports drinks, and reaching for nuts, cheese, or crunchy fruits and vegetables, can support better dental health. Even simple changes, like limiting how often you sip sweet beverages, make a difference over time.
Break Harmful Habits
The new year is also a great time to tackle habits that harm your health. Quitting tobacco and vaping, for example, lowers your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, respiratory illness, and oral cancer. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can also craft a nightguard for you to protect your teeth while you sleep.
You don’t have to do everything on this list to see success in the new year. By choosing just a few of these resolutions, and sticking with them, you can move toward a healthier, more confident smile. A new year is a fresh start—and a brighter smile can definitely be a part of it.
About the Author
Dr. Devarshee Patel, is a passionate Fort Worth dentist who with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She also has the rare honor of being a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction only 6% of all dentists in the US and Canada receive. Call (817) 367-9333 to schedule a checkup and cleaning at Titanium Dental of Fort Worth or visit our website to see a full range of services.