With 2026 fast approaching, many Midtown Toronto residents begin thinking about making New Year’s resolutions. In many cases, these resolutions involve eating better, exercising more, or spending more time travelling.
Making resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them is where things get tricky.
One popular resolution people tend to make is to take better care of their oral health. The good news is that these types of commitments are simple to keep, do not take up too much time, and deliver stronger, healthier teeth and gums, as well as overall well-being.
The top 5 dental resolutions that actually work
Here are five dental resolutions that will give you the results you need relatively quickly.
Resolution #1: Commit to twice-daily brushing
Twice-daily brushing is the cornerstone of a proper dental hygiene routine. However, life gets busy, and you might forget to brush from time to time. The new year is the perfect time to commit to brushing twice every day!
The best times to brush are as soon as you wake up and just before bed. Be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for the best results.
To help you remember, you can add reminders in the bathroom or set an alarm on your phone. There are also apps available to keep you on track and see your progress.
Resolution #2: Finally start flossing daily
Flossing is something everyone knows they should do, but often neglect to. There are many reasons people do not floss, such as discomfort, dexterity issues, or the belief that brushing provides enough protection against cavities.
The truth is that flossing removes food particles from between your teeth, which your brush cannot reach. Those food particles can potentially lead to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and much more.
If you are uncomfortable using the string floss type, floss sticks are available that make the task fun, easy, and can be effective. You will see the difference almost immediately, and it will help your smile remain strong and healthy.
Be sure to floss at least once per day, right after your nighttime brushing. You can also floss anytime you feel your teeth need a quick cleanup.
Resolution #3: Schedule regular dental checkups
The weeks and months seem to fly by, and with work, social commitments, and so on, it might be easy to neglect to book your next dental appointment. But saying “I will do it tomorrow” about booking your next visit will hurt your oral health in the long run.
Your dentist has the experience, training, and equipment to make a complete assessment of your teeth and gums. Without regular cleaning and scaling, you are putting yourself at risk of severe oral health outcomes.
It typically takes two to three appointments per year (one every four to six months) to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. So, in January, be sure to pick up the phone and call your dentist to schedule your 2026 appointments. This resolution is quick and easy to complete – and well worth the effort.
Resolution #4: Cut down on sugary drinks
One of the hardest resolutions to keep is eating better, and sugary drinks can be hard to give up. In Midtown Toronto, with so many coffee shops making delicious lattes containing added sugar or sweet syrups, the temptation to imbibe is everywhere!
It is important to know that sugar in coffee drinks, pop, “sports” drinks, fruit juices, and other beverages can stick to your teeth. They then combine with the naturally present bacteria in your mouth to create acids that eat away at the enamel protecting the soft tissue within your teeth.
You can protect your teeth by eliminating sugary drinks and replacing them with water. As for coffee, try it black with no additives; a pinch of salt will take some of the harshness away. However, if you do decide to enjoy a sugary drink, rinse your mouth out with water afterwards.
Resolution #5: Address that dental issue you have been avoiding
If you have been suffering from tooth pain, bleeding gums, or other dental health care issues, now is the perfect time to commit to visiting the dentist to have it diagnosed. Oral health problems do not go away on their own and are usually caused by an underlying condition that only your dentist will be able to solve.
Fear of the dentist is often a significant reason why people would rather endure the pain than seek treatment. Most dental offices, such as ours at Yonge Eglinton Dental, use approaches and techniques designed to alleviate any concerns you might have and help you have an enjoyable, stress-free visit.
Ignoring the issue can lead to various severe health outcomes, such as tooth loss and gum disease, which bring additional discomfort. You can avoid all this by making that appointment right after New Year’s Day.
Breaking Bad Dental Habits in 2026
Here are some other bad habits that affect your oral health you can commit to quitting in 2026:
Nail biting
When you bite your nails due to stress or other reasons, you risk damaging your teeth and gums or transferring bacteria from your fingers to your mouth. Instead of biting your nails, try chewing sugar-free gum or carrot sticks instead.
Using teeth as tools
Opening packages, bottles, or other items with your teeth might be convenient, but it can also chip or crack your teeth. Use the appropriate tools, such as scissors or bottle openers, to complete tasks.
Reduce teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition in people who deal with stress. However, ignoring the problem can damage your teeth. You can help minimize grinding by practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Another good idea is to talk to your dentist about custom-fitted appliances that help reduce the damage from grinding your teeth.
If you need any support making positive changes to your oral health, make an appointment with our friendly, supportive team at Yonge Eglinton Dental. We are happy to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for life!
Enjoy Optimal Oral Health with Help from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind
Recommended FAQs about New Year’s resolutions for your smile
How long does it take to form a new dental habit?
Research suggests it takes 21 – 66 days to form a habit. Start small with just one habit, like flossing before bed, and build from there.
How often should I really visit the dentist?
Most people should visit every 4 – 6 months for checkups and cleanings. However, those with gum disease, high cavity risk, or other conditions may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months).
