Table of Contents

• 1. Floss More Frequently
• 2. Upgrade Your Dental Hygiene Tools
• 3. Follow a More Tooth-Healthy Diet
• 4. Drink More Water
• 5. Quit Tobacco Use
• 6. Attend Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
• Address All Your Oral Health Concerns in Arden, NC

Every year, you may find yourself making resolutions that are hard to keep. This often leads people to give up well before the year is over. In the upcoming year, consider making a resolution that is easier to achieve and has more long-term benefits, such as taking steps to achieve a healthier smile. 

While there are numerous ways to achieve a healthier smile, there are a few key goals everyone can set in the new year to boost their oral health. From incorporating more advanced tools into your routine to drinking more water, many great options can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

If you’re ready to achieve a healthier smile in 2026, keep reading to learn more about some habits you should incorporate into your routine. 

1. Floss More Frequently

In a 2022 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 American adults reported never flossing their teeth throughout the year. While this everyday oral hygiene habit may seem insignificant to your smile, it can have a significant impact on your goal of achieving a healthier smile in the new year. When you aren’t flossing, the presence of bacteria in your gum tissue grows. 

This can increase your risk of developing gum disease. To avoid this and ensure you’re doing everything possible to achieve a healthier smile, you should floss at least once a day. If you’re just getting into the habit, make sure to take your time flossing between each tooth. Overly aggressive flossing can lead to cuts and irritation of the gum tissue, which increases your risk of developing oral health infections. 

2. Upgrade Your Dental Hygiene Tools

In addition to adding essential steps to your oral hygiene routine, 2026 may be the perfect year for you to upgrade your existing hygiene tools. While hand brushing your teeth is still a great way to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris, upgrading to an electric toothbrush is a great way to brush more thoroughly. The vibration can also stimulate your gum tissue, helping you reduce your risk of developing gingivitis. 

In addition to incorporating an electric toothbrush into your routine, consider investing in a water flosser and a tongue scraper. Water flossers help you remove debris from hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, including your back molars. Tongue scrapers can help you eliminate odor-causing bacteria that may be present on your tongue. With these advanced tools under your belt, you can trust that you’re on the way to a healthier smile. 

3. Follow a More Tooth-Healthy Diet

Your everyday oral hygiene routine isn’t the only thing that can help you achieve a healthier smile. There are a few lifestyle changes you may want to make. One easy lifestyle change you can make is incorporating more tooth-friendly foods into your diet. You’ve likely heard your dentist mention limiting your consumption of sugary foods, excessive starches, and highly acidic foods and beverages that can erode your enamel. 

However, you shouldn’t limit your intake of harmful foods and beverages. You may also want to consider swapping processed snacks for crunchy vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, celery, and bell peppers. These veggies can help scrub plaque from your teeth, supporting your regular oral hygiene practices. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in these snacks can help you achieve stronger teeth and healthier gum tissue. 

4. Drink More Water

While you may love sipping on coffee, soda, or juice throughout the day, 2026 may be the perfect year for increasing your water intake. Although this has many benefits beyond your oral health, drinking more water is great for achieving a healthier smile than ever before. Water is great at rinsing away harmful bacteria, especially after eating a meal, while you cannot safely brush your teeth. 

If you are trying to increase your water intake, it is best to follow the recommendations of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. They recommend that men drink 15.5 cups of water per day, while women should drink 11.5 cups. Try to space out your water drinking throughout the day, especially if you are transitioning from drinking little to no water to achieving these higher goals. 

5. Quit Tobacco Use

One of the most harmful lifestyle choices an individual can make for their smile is continuing to use tobacco products. The nicotine in these products is known for its staining ability and the potential to damage delicate gum tissues. Smoke also decreases your immune response and constricts essential blood flow, leading to slower recovery when you’re faced with oral infections and abscesses.

If you want to achieve a healthier smile, it is best to limit or eliminate your use of tobacco products. While quitting these products can be incredibly difficult, there are many alternative options available, including patches, gums, and inhalers. These products can help you alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and when paired with support groups and coaching, you can trust that you’ll kick the habit. 

6. Attend Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

The final step in achieving a healthier smile in 2026 is attending regular dental exams and cleanings. Many people put off regular dental cleanings, either due to a lack of insurance or anxiety surrounding these appointments. If you’re experiencing heightened anxiety, consider working on meditation techniques, bringing a friend to your appointment, or listening to music or a podcast to quell these emotions. 

For patients who are putting off care due to a lack of insurance, discuss with your dental office whether they offer self-pay discounts or in-office dental plans. While these plans may not fully cover more extensive dental procedures, they often include your twice-yearly cleaning, fluoride treatments, essential X-rays, and periodontal checks and care. With this plan, you may be able to attend more appointments than ever before. 

Address All Your Oral Health Concerns in Arden, NC

If you’re looking for a dental team to help you achieve a healthier smile, trust that our team at Arden Family Dental is the team for you. Whether you’re visiting our team for the first time or returning, we are dedicated to helping you alleviate existing oral health concerns and achieve a brighter, healthier smile than ever before. 

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.