Doable New Year’s Resolutions for a Stronger, Healthier Smile

Every year, those who make New Year’s resolutions seem to drop them a few weeks later. Perhaps the problem is that their goals are too big, too broad, or too unrealistic for certain lifestyles. This year, consider New Year’s resolutions that are achievable. Let’s say you want to improve your health; that’s huge. By narrowing down, you decide you want to improve your oral health, which has many effects throughout the body. What smaller habits and goals can you develop that can help you get there?

I Will Brush and Floss My Teeth Every Day.

Believe it or not, these seemingly small habits can have a drastic impact on your oral health because they allow you to clear away food debris and plaque, the white substance filled with bacteria that builds on teeth. Without brushing twice and flossing once per day, you will find more plaque builds up and hardens on your teeth, leading to cavities and infection.

Fortunately, brushing and flossing don’t require much of your time, but you may need help remembering to do them daily. Alerts, alarms, or reminders on your phone or mirror can help you stick to this resolution without too much extra effort.

I Will Visit the Dentist Twice Per Year for Checkups and Cleanings.

Until now, perhaps you thought dental visits were primarily for when something goes wrong with your smile, but the real value of going to the dentist is in preventing cavities and other harm from striking at all. When you attend checkup and cleaning appointments, a professional removes whatever hardened plaque you may still have on your teeth, which helps you avoid future problems. This visit also allows your dentist to inspect your mouth for any early signs of trouble, including oral cancer. If they spot something, they can treat it well before it becomes painful or severely damaging.

I Will Cut Back on Sugar.

Having less sugar in your diet not only benefits your waistline but your mouth and everywhere else in your body as well! The bacteria in your mouth love sugar, and it enables them to flourish. If you limit how much sugar you consume in food and beverages, you can more easily control bacterial growth in your mouth—even before you brush or floss. Although you don’t have to avoid sugar altogether, small efforts to cut back on sugar can vastly improve your oral and overall health, so try to make smarter decisions.

I Will Drink More Water.

Out of everything you can drink, water is the healthiest and most beneficial option. Not only does water neutralize acids and sugar in your mouth, but most publicly provided water comes with a little bit of fluoride, which strengthens teeth against cavities. Sipping water throughout the day, instead of coffee or soda, also prevents dry mouth, a situation in which bacteria thrive and grow. Keeping your mouth hydrated and rinsed with water creates a healthier environment to keep bacteria under control.

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be so challenging that you can’t continue doing them. Oral health goals are sustainable and can have a dramatic effect on your general health. Start—and then eventually end—2026 with a smile!

About the Author

Although Dr. Drew Beaty and Dr. Brandon Walker have advanced training and nearly three decades of experience between them in complex procedures in dentistry, they both encourage smart, preventive care to keep smiles healthy. Both are also dedicated to ongoing education, often going well beyond state requirements, to bring our patients the most cutting-edge care. How can we help you achieve your resolutions for a healthier smile? Contact us online or call our Federal Way dental office at 253-839-6544 to schedule a checkup and cleaning appointment today!