Setting New Year’s resolutions is a time-honored tradition symbolizing hope, ambition, and the drive for self-improvement — and often this includes making improvements in your oral and overall health. However, as the weeks and months go by, maintaining the enthusiasm and commitment to achieve these goals can become challenging.
In fact, data shows that only nine percent of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions.
Don’t let unfulfilled resolutions from the past keep you from prioritizing your health this year. Whether it’s committing to daily flossing, reducing sugary snacks, or scheduling regular dental check-ups, discover simple and effective ways to stay on track and achieve your goals for a healthier smile and a healthier you.
Tips to stick to your New Year’s resolutions
No matter what your resolutions are for the upcoming year, whether they focus on improving your oral health, overall health, or both, it’s important to take proactive steps now to set yourself up for success.
Set goals and plan in advance: Select goals that are realistic, specific, and achievable, including ones that support your oral health. For example, instead of saying you want to “improve your oral hygiene,” set a specific goal like flossing every day or scheduling two dental check-ups this year. Specific goals make it easier to track progress. Additionally, creating a detailed plan — such as deciding how to stay consistent during busy days and identifying the benefits of achieving your goals, like a healthier smile and reduced risk of oral health issues — will help you stay on track.
Focus on small steps: Instead of overwhelming yourself with numerous New Year’s resolutions, take small, sustainable steps toward improving your oral health and overall well-being. For instance, if you’ve never been consistent with flossing, start by flossing just a few times a week before working up to daily flossing. Small, manageable changes — like cutting back on sugary snacks or drinking more water to support oral health — make it easier to stick to your goals and achieve long-term success.
Find support: Tell your friends and family about your resolution so they can encourage and support you. Better yet, find someone who has similar goals and work together to share the successes and challenges. If you can’t find the support you need to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions, consider seeking professional help. The American Psychological Association recommends reaching out to a psychologist.
Track your progress: Use a journal, app, or calendar to monitor your oral health habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, or drinking more water instead of sugary beverages. Celebrate small wins along the way — like completing a week of consistent flossing or keeping up with your dental check-ups — to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come on your journey to better oral health.
Adapt as needed: Remember that long-term goals aren’t accomplished overnight. Setbacks happen, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. When these setbacks occur, use them as an opportunity to reevaluate your strategies and make changes to your plan as needed. The ability to adapt to changes and challenges will make it easier to succeed at your New Year’s resolutions.
Maintain motivation: Keep your motivation alive by reminding yourself why you set your resolutions in the first place. Create a vision board, read success stories, or surround yourself with quotes and affirmations that inspire you.
Improving oral health as a New Year’s resolution
If you haven’t already decided on a New Year’s resolution for this year, consider focusing on improving your oral health.
While it might not seem as exciting as other options like traveling the world or hitting the gym, a healthy mouth plays a vital role in your overall well-being.
Simple ways to improve your oral health in the new year
Examine your current oral health routine: Are you brushing and flossing your teeth correctly? If not, it’s time to update your oral health care routine. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day with an ADA-approved toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Additionally, flossing once a day helps clean parts of your teeth and mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach.
Be mindful of your diet: If healthy eating fell off during the holiday season, now is the time to get back on track. Small changes, like limiting snacking throughout the day or focusing on eating nutritious foods that are good for your teeth, can help improve your oral health during the year.
Limit alcohol and quit tobacco: Many people overindulge in alcohol during the holiday season. This overindulgence may lead to problems for their teeth.
According to Penn Dental Medicine, “Many cocktails use sugary mixers that can coat your teeth’s surface, leading to tooth decay over time. And beer, red wine and white wine, and cider all contain acid that will slowly dissolve enamel, leading to sensitivity or pain.” As the new year begins, focus on reducing the amount of alcohol you consume to protect your oral health.
Pro tip: If you treat yourself to alcoholic beverages, remember to wash out your mouth with a glass of water to remove any sugar left on the teeth.
If you’re using tobacco products, now is the time to quit. Tobacco products also damage your oral health and can lead to long-term overall health problems, such as oral cancer.
Click here for the Colorado Tobacco Quitline.
Go to dental appointments: A good oral health routine and nutritious diet play a huge role in keeping your teeth healthy, but that doesn’t mean you can skip dental visits. The dentist can clean areas in your mouth that a toothbrush or floss cannot reach, plus they can detect serious medical conditions such as diabetes and oral cancer. Going to preventive dental check-ups and cleanings are a major step you can take to improve your oral health in the new year.
Oral health is important all year
Whether you’re setting New Year’s resolutions or simply looking to make positive changes, improving your oral health should always be a priority. Oral health isn’t just about a bright smile. It’s about maintaining your overall well-being. A healthy mouth contributes to better physical health, boosts your confidence, and even supports your mental health.
Discover why oral health is important in “When is Dental Insurance Worth it?”