Some people love New Year’s resolutions while others would rather play the next 365 days by ear. Whatever camp you fall into, making a deliberate choice to prioritize dental care is a great resolution anytime of year. Whether you’re determined to declare your intentions in 2026 or prefer to wait for opportunities to present themselves, adopting the following resolutions will be great for your oral health.
Brush your teeth morning and night.
One of the easiest promises to make to yourself is to brush your teeth every morning and night. Morning brushing cleans off saliva and build up from the night. Bedtime brushing rids your tooth enamel of plaque and tartar to avoid cavities or gum disease. Everyone has a nightly routine, no matter how sweet and simple. Make sure brushing your teeth is part of it.
Floss.
Floss more and floss often, daily at the very least. If this isn’t a habit already, it will take time to get comfortable. You may have gum discomfort and even a little bleeding (make sure to get that checked out with your dentist to ensure there isn’t an infection and not just tender gums). The more you floss, the healthier your teeth will be and the better your breath will smell.
Get a teeth cleaning and dental exam every six months.
Twice-annual dental visits are the bare minimum of preventive dental care. Teeth cleanings include a thorough removal of plaque and tartar, flossing, polishing, x-rays, and an opportunity to identify problems. There is an examination of soft tissues to look for signs of oral cancer, gum recession, and gum disease. Seeing your dentist every six months is do-able for any schedule and this resolution is an easy win.
If a tooth hurts, visit your dentist immediately.
If you want to make sure your dental care resolution is honored, then listen to what your mouth is telling you if you find yourself with a toothache, tenderness, swelling, redness, or pain. Call your dentist immediately. If a tooth hurts now and you have tooth decay or gingivitis, it will only get worse and more painful without intervention. Quick action saves time, energy, pain, and cost – and that’s a resolution you can count on.
Invest in the cosmetic dentistry you’ve always wanted.
If you have resolved that this is the year you’ll do something good for yourself, make that selection cosmetic dentistry. Pursue porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or Invisalign clear aligners to transform the appearance of your teeth and your entire smile in a positive way.
Say yes to preventive treatments.
Preventive dental care includes teeth cleaning, but it also refers to interventions like mouth guards. If you grind and clench your teeth, a nightguard can protect your teeth from each other and reduce the chances of breakage, pain, and headaches.
Don’t hesitate to get the dental care you want.
If you need help sticking to your dental New Year’s resolutions, our dental practice will be happy to remind you of your appointments and procedures and help you build a smile that makes you look and feel like the best, newest version of yourself. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell and her dental team at Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ.
