The new year is the perfect time for fresh starts, setting goals, and prioritizing your well-being — including your oral health! Making a resolution to improve your dental hygiene can have a positive impact on your overall health. As you plan for a healthier 2026, don’t forget to incorporate these essential habits into your routine for a brighter, healthier smile.
Brush Twice a Day
One of the simplest things you can do for your oral health is brush regularly. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush along with toothpaste accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA provides a helpful guide to brushing your teeth here. Make sure to replace your toothbrush or brush head every three to four months, or sooner if you notice the bristles have become frayed.
Floss Daily
Brushing alone will not reach all of the tight spaces in between your teeth. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line, areas where cavities often start. The ADA recommends flossing at least once a day. You can find a helpful how-to guide on their Mouth Healthy website.
Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist
The ADA recommends visiting your dentist “regularly” for prevention and treatment, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain. Depending on your individual needs and oral health, your dentist may recommend a checkup once or twice per year, or more frequently if you have gum disease. Routine dental visits are important for lowering your risk of gum disease and detecting problematic issues before they turn into serious — and costly — problems down the road. While plans vary, most dental insurance providers cover preventative care in full.
Evaluate Your Diet Choices
What you eat directly impacts your oral health. To maintain good dental health, the ADA recommends limiting your intake of sugar, which can damage your enamel and lead to cavities. Healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products such as cheese, are beneficial for your teeth. When you’re thirsty, choose water over juice or soda to give your teeth a natural cleanser and promote saliva flow that can neutralize harmful acids.
Maximize Your Benefits
A new year means most dental insurance benefits have officially reset! This means your annual maximum, which is the highest dollar amount a dental insurance provider will pay toward your dental work in a given benefit year, is back to its full amount. An annual maximum is different from a deductible, which is the amount you must pay toward dental work before your insurance benefits will kick in. Annual maximum and deductible amounts vary depending on your plan.
For patients without insurance, savings are still possible with our Smiles360 Dental Savings Club. Those who purchase an annual membership fee receive preventative care at no additional cost, along with generous discounts on a variety of treatments.
Make a Commitment to Your Smile in 2026
Making a commitment to your smile — from regular brushing and flossing to watching your diet and visiting the dentist — can lay the foundation for a year of better oral health. Prioritizing your smile in 2026 is an investment that pays off with improved confidence, comfort and overall well-being. Start the new year right by scheduling your next appointment today!