The start of a new year is a great time for reflection and reinvention. As the festive decorations come down and we settle into January, many of us take the time to set goals to improve our lives, whether it be hitting the gym, learning a new language, or taking better care of our finances. But amidst the crowded list of self-improvement plans, there is one area that often gets overlooked, despite being central to our daily confidence and wellbeing: our oral health.
5 Dental Resolutions to Improve Oral Health
This year, prioritise your teeth and gums. A healthy smile doesn't just look good; it’s a gateway to better overall health. If you are looking to make a change that offers lasting benefits and helps you feel better, here are five dental resolutions worth keeping to help you achieve a new smile for 2026.
1. Commit to regular dental check ups
It’s the cornerstone of preventative care, yet it’s often the first appointment to be cancelled when life gets too busy. Making a resolution to go for a dental check up at least twice a year is one of the best investments you can make.
At Riverside Dental Spa, we believe that prevention is always better than cure. Regular examinations allow us to spot potential issues long before they become painful or expensive problems. In each appointment, when we examine you, we will always look out for early signs of decay, gum disease, or oral cancer.
Think of these visits as a maintenance plan for your smile. By catching issues early, we can help you improve oral health outcomes and keep your natural teeth in the best shape. If it has been a while since you last sat in the dentist’s chair, let this be your sign to get back on track. Book your check up now.
2. Keep to your brushing routine
We all know the rule: brush at least twice a day. However, simply going through the motions isn't always enough. This year, resolve to be mindful about how you brush. Are you brushing for a full two minutes? Are you giving each tooth the same care? Are you reaching the difficult areas at the back of your mouth?
Ensure you are using a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft to medium bristles to avoid damaging your enamel. We recommend switching to an electric toothbrush, and many patients find that this can significantly improve the quality of their cleaning. Brushing twice daily, once in the morning and, crucially, once before bed, removes the plaque bacteria that builds up throughout the day, preventing it from turning into tartar and causing cavities.
3. Embrace floss or interdental brushes
If you only brush your teeth, you are missing roughly 40% of your tooth surfaces. The tight spaces between your teeth are hot beds for food particles and plaque, which a standard toothbrush simply cannot reach.
This is where interdental cleaning becomes non-negotiable. Whether you prefer traditional floss, floss picks, or interdental brushes, making this a daily habit is essential for maintaining good gum health. Many people find their gums bleed when they first start flossing, often leading them to stop. However, this is usually a sign of inflammation (gingivitis) and is all the more reason to continue, not quit. With consistent daily flossing, the bleeding should stop, and your gums will become healthier.
4. Reduce your sugar intake
Over Christmas, we are all a little guilty of overindulging. However, high sugar consumption is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar to produce acids that attack your tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
You don’t have to cut out sugar entirely to see the benefits. Instead, try to reduce the frequency of sugary snacks. It’s better for your teeth to eat a sugary treat as part of a main meal rather than grazing on sweets throughout the day, as this subjects your teeth to a constant acid attack. Swapping fizzy drinks for water and snacking on cheese, nuts, or raw vegetables can make a massive difference to your dental resolutions and your waistline. Why not swap the sweets for carrot sticks?
5. Visit the hygienist
Even with the best home routine, stubborn tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. This is why our fifth resolution is to book regular hygienist appointments. A professional scale and polish leaves your teeth feeling incredibly smooth and looking noticeably brighter by removing surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine.
At Riverside Dental Spa, our hygiene services are designed not just to clean, but to educate. We are here to provide tailored advice on how to care for your specific oral health requirements, ensuring that your new smile stays fresh all year round.
Start Your New Smile Journey Today
The New Year is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on your habits. By adopting these simple dental resolutions, you are setting yourself up for a healthier, more confident 2026.
Don’t wait for a toothache to remind you of the importance of your teeth. Take the first step today.
Are you ready to improve oral health and confidence in one go? Contact the friendly team at Riverside Dental Spa today to book your next dental check up.
