As you dive into 2026, you may be making resolutions you want to follow for the new year. You might want to start exercising more or eating out less, but you should include your smile in these goals. Working toward a stronger grin can help ensure it stays problem-free and lets you show it off proudly. Thankfully, it can be relatively easy, so here are five habits you can build to keep your oral health in great shape.
1.) Properly Brush Your Teeth
You might already know that brushing is important, but be sure you do it twice every day. Angle your toothbrush toward your gumline at a 45° angle and scrub for two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste. This will get as much plaque as possible while also fortifying your enamel, helping you prevent cavities.
2.) Don’t Skip Flossing
While brushing gets rid of bacteria, it’s not able to fully clean your teeth. You need to floss as well to get anything between the structures and under your gumline. If you don’t routinely do this step, then it’s easy to forget about it. A great way to remember is by putting notes on your mirror or setting alarms and reminders.
3.) Quit Any Tobacco Habits
If you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, then you are increasing your risk of gum disease. This condition is an infection that can lead to the soft tissues of your mouth becoming inflamed, noticeably red, or bleeding when brushing and flossing. However, when it’s left untreated, it can progress into its more advanced stages that cause gum recession and tooth loss.
4.) Follow a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is a great way to keep up with your overall health, but it can also boost your grin! When you give your body the nutrients it needs, your immune system will be better able to fight off infection and inflammation. Not only that, but foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, calcium, and phosphorus will be able to support your teeth and gums as well.
5.) See Your Dentist Consistently
While everything above is essential to do at home, your dentist is another way to keep your smile in great shape. By getting checkups and cleanings, they will be able to remove hardened plaque. Any changes to your oral health will also be caught, so worrying signs are treated before they worsen. That way, you feel confident knowing your grin is the best it can be.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Fromuth earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is dedicated to helping the Manchester community with their oral healthcare through preventive services. By using state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Fromuth can find and treat a wide range of dental problems. If you want to start the new year with a strong smile you deserve, schedule an appointment or call his office at (603) 644-3368.