New Year, New Smile: 3 Resolutions for Healthier Teeth

A new year is the perfect time to reset your health habits, and your smile deserves to be part of that plan. In fact, 79% of all resolutions focus on health.

At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, we’re here to help you start the year strong with a smile that looks great and feels healthy. That’s why Dr. Niki always asks about your oral health goals during your regular cleaning.

Read on as Dr. Niki shares her top three resolutions for healthier teeth.

Resolution #1: Maintain a diligent oral care routine that includes flossing

Brushing and flossing may sound basic, but consistency is what protects your oral health from bigger issues down the road.

Brush twice a day

Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. That’s just 30 seconds per quadrant! 

Floss daily

Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. If flossing is difficult for you, either due to dental hardware or limited mobility, you can also use alternative interdental cleaners, such as water flossers or interdental brushes. This simple routine helps prevent interproximal cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Use mouthwash

Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your daily oral care routine, especially when it’s used correctly. It helps reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and reach areas of your mouth that brushing and flossing may miss. If you have specific concerns such as gum inflammation, frequent cavities, or sensitivity, Dr. Niki can prescribe a therapeutic mouthwash to provide extra protection.

If you stick with a solid at-home oral care routine, it can help prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems later.

Resolution #2: Limit food choices that are bad for your teeth

Sugary snacks, acidic drinks, and frequent sipping throughout the day can weaken your enamel and increase your risk of decay. Try to:

• Limit sugary treats
• Drink plenty of water
• Balance your diet with tooth-friendly foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables that scrub your teeth

Make it a SMART goal: Choose one small change to start, like swapping soda for water during the workweek or limiting sugary snacks to once a day. Simple, specific changes are easier to stick with, and they add up to healthier teeth over time.

Resolution #3: Quit smoking

If you’re a smoker, this might be your best resolution yet. 

Tobacco use stains teeth, increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss, and slows healing after dental procedures. When you quit smoking, your gums get better blood flow, inflammation decreases, and your mouth can heal more effectively after dental implants. 

Quitting often leads to fresher breath and a healthier smile in just weeks.

If you’re ready to quit, Dr. Niki and the team at CLE Smiles can help monitor your gum health, recommend supportive products, and keep you on track as your mouth recovers from the effects of smoking.

Bonus resolution: Stay on track with your routine dental cleanings

Regular cleanings remove hardened plaque you can’t brush away at home, and exams allow Dr. Niki to catch potential issues early, often before you notice symptoms. For example, if Dr. Niki spots a small cavity, she can fill it before the decay grows too big and requires a crown.

Most people should have a cleaning every six months, but some may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Despite your recommended schedule, setting calendar reminders or booking your next appointment before you leave the office can help you stay on track.

The bottom line is that preventive care saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. What’s not to love about that for a resolution?

Start the year with a healthier smile

Prioritize your smile in the new year. Schedule an appointment with CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki today, and let’s work together to keep your teeth healthy, strong, and shining all year long.

For teledentistry, click here. Otherwise, click here to schedule your next appointment or call 216-616-1385.