If you think back to the past year, could you have tightened up your oral hygiene routine? Although it might not have been too bad, there might be some habits you want to build and others you want to break. With 2026 right around the corner, there is no time like the present to make resolutions to better your dental health. Here are five simple ones you can consider to ensure a problem-free smile.
1.) Brush Your Teeth for Two Minutes
After a long day, you may do a quick once-over of your teeth and scrub them quickly. While this still gets some plaque, it doesn’t get as much as it’s meant to. When you brush for even just a minute, you are only cleaning about 27% of your smile. However, by going for the full two minutes, you are able to get up to 41% on just your grin alone! By also taking care of your gums and tongue, you can get so much more.
2.) Floss Once Every Day
With everything above, that still only adds to about 60% of your smile. The rest is done by flossing. With this handy dental thread, you can get debris and bacteria between your teeth and along your gumline. That way, you avoid oral health issues. If you have trouble remembering this habit, then consider setting a reminder or putting a note on your mirror.
3.) Stop Your Tobacco Use
Chewing and smoking tobacco are some habits that can be bad for your oral health. It puts you at a higher risk of gum disease, which can have serious complications when left untreated. It may start out with noticeable redness and bleeding when you brush and floss, but it can lead to gum recession or tooth loss in the more advanced stages.
4.) Keep Up a Nutritious Diet
This resolution will not only benefit your smile, but the rest of your body as well. By having a balanced diet, you’ll be able to support your immune system. You’ll be able to better fight off infections and inflammation in the soft tissues of your mouth. In particular, foods that are rich in vitamins D, C, A, calcium, and phosphorus can help promote your teeth and gum health.
5.) Have Consistent Visits with Your Dentist
In the end, the tips above help keep your smile strong while you are at home. However, you should still have routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist. They will be able to get rid of hardened plaque and tartar. Afterward, they will do an examination and make sure there aren’t any red flags. If there are, you can get the treatment you need; that way, you get through 2026 without a hitch in your smile.
About the Practice
At Lakewood Complete Dentistry, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your grin. We are happy to help the local community feel the best about their teeth through preventive care. By being proactive about any dental problems, we can help keep them and your gums strong and healthy well into the new year. If you want to start 2026 by bettering your smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (303) 238-2800.