Don’t neglect your dental health when determining which New Year’s resolutions make your list. When drafting goals for 2026, consider adding a few that give your teeth, smile, and overall health something to celebrate.
See Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, and the team at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, for a wide range of dental services that can help you achieve your New Year’s resolution goals and maintain a beautiful smile year-round.
Studies suggest that poor oral health behaviors are linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. So, having a healthy smile offers additional benefits beyond just self-confidence.
This year, make oral health just as big a priority as your overall health when creating New Year’s resolutions that stick.
Consider these worthwhile oral care habits that can create a healthier smile this year.
As few as 15% of Americans floss their teeth every day, but flossing sessions reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and missing teeth by decreasing food particles, bacteria, and tartar buildup between your teeth.
Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to floss every day this year. Track your progress in a journal or app.
If you’re already brushing your teeth at least twice daily, great job! Whenever possible, brush your teeth after meals to remove any debris stuck in your teeth and around your gums. This reduces plaque and tartar formation, and lowers the risk of teeth staining from brightly colored foods and drinks.
Snacking on fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables helps keep your teeth free from plaque buildup, harmful mouth bacteria, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. In fact, studies suggest that permanent tooth loss is linked to a low intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
Eat fruits and vegetables at each meal and aim to fill half of each plate of food with these nutrient-dense foods.
What better way to begin the new year than with a pearly white smile? Consider teeth whitening to make your teeth multiple shades whiter after just one in-office session. You can also choose take-home whitening trays if you prefer this brightening method.
Do you already have white teeth, but your smile still needs some refining? Ask about veneers, cosmetic bonding, Invisalign®, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures at DentAlign NYC to perfect your grin.
Getting at least two dental cleanings and exams each year optimizes your oral health. And if you have dental insurance, these preventive care visits are typically covered at no added cost to you.
Preventive dental care helps reduce the risk of oral health concerns and can detect minor problems before they become severe and costly.
There are numerous reasons to cut back on or avoid alcohol. Not only does alcohol increase the risk of certain cancers and other chronic conditions, but it also boosts your chance of a dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease. Furthermore, many alcoholic beverages (particularly red wine) can stain your teeth and diminish the appearance of your smile.
Smoking and other tobacco products can take a toll on your oral health and overall health, increasing your risk of gum problems and certain cancers.
Using tobacco products can lead to gum recession, tooth staining, impaired healing, oral cancer, gum disease, bad breath, and enamel erosion. If you’re a tobacco user, make it a resolution to quit this year.
You don’t have to have a huge list of New Year’s resolutions this year. Choose a few that you can stick with long-term, and then add to them after you’ve accomplished your initial goals. Your smile, overall health, and mental health will flourish as a result.
Begin your journey toward a healthier smile this year by scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Kakosian at DentAlign NYC by phone or online.
