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Originally Posted On: https://robisonortho.com/blog/new-years-smile-goals/

Your New Year’s Smile Goals

As the year comes to a close, you may be thinking of how to make improvements in the new year. It’s never a bad idea to become more health conscious and set New Year resolutions for obtaining better health. This can even include creating a New Year resolution for better dental health.

Your oral health is just as important as maintaining a healthy diet and weight. When you prioritize your oral health, you will notice that your overall health is impacted, and you will feel confident in your appearance. Keep reading for some oral hygiene tips and hints for how to create achievable New Year’s smile goals.

Smile Goal #1: Establish a Better Oral Hygiene Routine

The first step to achieving better oral health is to create an oral hygiene routine. To do so, you’ll need to devote attention to both brushing and flossing. Also, it’s important to consider the tools you use.

How to Brush This Year

Make it a priority to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after each meal is ideal, if possible. When brushing, handle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and apply firm pressure. Make sure to not brush too vigorously, as that can actually wear away at the enamel of the teeth and cause damage to the gums.

How to Floss in 2025

It is also highly suggested that you floss at least once a day, possibly at night, before you go to bed. In preparation for flossing, take a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wind the ends of the floss around one finger of each hand (preferably the same finger on each hand), keeping about a three-inch space between your hands. Make sure to floss between each tooth on the top and the bottom of your mouth.

Picking the Right Tools

For easier brushing, consider trying an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes are designed to help you brush more effectively, as they exert the right amount of pressure and have different settings to handle specific dental issues.

If you prefer a manual toothbrush, it is suggested that you use soft bristles, as they are best for keeping the teeth and gums safe from damage. Look for a handle that fits your hand well, such as an angled handle, one that is non-slip, or one that is flexible.

Keep in mind that a toothbrush carries many germs and is stored in the bathroom; toothbrushes should be thrown out after consistent use. It is typically recommended that you purchase a new toothbrush or use a new head every three to four months.

Consider the different kinds of floss that you can use as well. Waxed floss is helpful for anyone who currently has metal braces, as this floss is much less likely to fray during use. Unwaxed floss is a good choice for those with little space in between teeth, as it can fit easily. Floss picks make it simpler to floss, allowing for an easier way to reach the back of your mouth.

Picking a mouthwash that works best for you is also important, and there are several kinds, including a cosmetic mouthwash that is specifically for improving your breath. If you want to prevent tooth decay, find a mouthwash that contains fluoride. To prevent bacteria growth or to treat an infection, use an antiseptic mouthwash. If you do not like mouthwash with alcohol, consider purchasing a natural mouthwash that uses essential oils.

Smile Goal #2: Schedule Your Dental and Orthodontic Check-Ups

To help reach your dental health goals, plan regularly scheduled dental visits about every six months for cleanings and check-ups. Doing so is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your dental health. Scheduling regular orthodontic visits is also important if you are in need of braces or if you currently have braces.

When you attend routine check-ups, you can prevent oral health problems and identify minor problems before they become severe. This can save you both discomfort and money, as preventing serious oral health issues can help reduce the chances you’ll need oral surgery.

Planning your appointments in advance for the year is helpful to ensure you are maintaining regular appointments. Ask your dentist and your orthodontist to schedule appointments for the year, then note them in your calendar.

Smile Goal #3: Consider Orthodontic Treatments

There are many reasons you may need to consider undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Here are some of the most common:

• Gaps – If you have significant gaps between your teeth, then you may want to consult with an orthodontist to see if braces are necessary.
• Crooked Teeth – Crooked or overlapping teeth are often addressed with braces. Not only do crooked teeth affect your smile, but the additional nooks and crannies created can hamper your ability to properly care for your teeth, making plaque and cavities more likely.
• Bite Issues – Bite issues are another problem that may require braces for treatment. An overbite involves the top teeth overlapping the bottom teeth, while an underbite occurs when the bottom teeth overlap the top row. Crossbites occur when some of the top teeth cross behind the bottom teeth.
• Oral Pain or Speech Problems – If you have pain while chewing or have trouble speaking clearly, this may be another reason to speak with an orthodontist.

Braces are one of the most common options for people with the above oral health issues, and they work by gently applying pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position. Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces, and more are a result of a drastic expansion in orthodontic technology. If you’d like a less obtrusive option, consider Invisalign, a set of clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and gently move them into position.

If you are in need of orthodontic treatment, consider starting your orthodontic care in the new year to begin your journey to straighter, healthier teeth as soon as possible.

Smile Goal #4: Brighten Your Smile

Aside from brushing regularly and rinsing with mouthwash, there are several other ways to whiten your teeth and discover true smile improvement. Using over-the-counter tooth whitening toothpaste, strips, trays, or gels is one effective way to whiten your smile. Here at Robison Orthodontics, we offer powerful teeth whitening services in-office.

You may choose to use natural options to maintain your brightness between sessions:

• Try mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and brushing with the mixture. As baking soda has whitening properties and hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, it is the perfect technique for brightening your smile over time.
• Try oil pulling, which is simply swishing and rinsing with certain oils, such as sunflower, sesame, or coconut oil, for about twenty minutes. This technique may help whiten teeth and fight against bacteria.
• Try eating a healthy diet to help keep your teeth white. Crunchy vegetables and fruits are good to eat, as they are not only good for you, but they can also remove plaque from your teeth as you chew.
• Try focusing on whitening fruits. Certain fruits, such as strawberries and pineapples, are actually known for whitening your teeth as they contain certain enzymes and acids that can eliminate stains from the teeth.
• Try eliminating common staining agents. Be careful with how much coffee and tea you consume, and avoid tobacco products, as they can all stain the teeth.

Smile Goal #5: Maintain Your Smile After Braces

Once your braces are removed, you will be given a retainer to help keep the teeth from shifting. Wearing your retainer as instructed is the best way to keep your teeth straight after braces removal. However, it is also important to take proper care of your retainer and your oral health to make sure you maintain a healthy smile resolution.

A removable retainer should be brushed with a soft brush and water after finishing a meal. Your orthodontist will likely suggest that you remove your retainer before eating to avoid trapping food between the retainer and your teeth or damaging your retainer. If you have a permanent retainer, be careful when eating hard or sticky foods, as these could cause damage.

Make sure that whenever the retainer is not in your mouth, it is kept in its storage container to keep it safe and avoid losing it. Go to regular check-ups to make sure it is still fitting well and does not require any adjustments.

Another way to maintain teeth alignment after your treatment is to address your personal habits. Make sure not to grind your teeth, which could cause the teeth to shift again. Be aware of your sleeping positions overnight, as sleeping with your face in a pillow can cause the teeth to move over time.

Smile Goal #6: Prioritize Healthy Eating Habits

Optimizing your diet can not only help you improve your overall physical health, but it can also help you achieve better oral health. In addition to the previously mentioned fruits and vegetables that get rid of plaque, there are several other foods that also promote dental health.

• Dairy Products – Eating dairy products can help strengthen the enamel of the teeth, as it contains lactic acid, proteins, and calcium. Some good sources of calcium include cheese, milk, almonds, and yogurt.
• Eat High-Fiber Foods – Foods that are high in fiber, such as green leafy vegetables and beans, can help reduce the acid produced in the mouth and protect the enamel from damage.
• Eat Protein – Protein contains phosphorus, which is a necessary nutrient for strong teeth, making it good for oral health. Some foods that are high in protein are poultry, eggs, fish, and milk.

• Drink Water – Drinking plenty of water is also important, as it can take away harmful bacteria. If the water contains fluoride, it can also help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks – Another important part of keeping a healthy diet is limiting your intake of sugary snacks and beverages. Consuming too much sugar can result in cavities and tooth decay, but reducing your intake can help you improve your oral and physical health.

Smile Goal #7: Stay Hydrated

As mentioned above, drinking water is an important part of maintaining healthy oral hygiene, and water is the healthiest drink to consume on a daily basis, as it has no calories.

Drinking water is a natural way to clean the mouth. It can remove pieces of food and bacteria that can lead to plaque and tooth decay. It may also neutralize some of the acid made within the mouth, which can help to protect enamel.

Drinking water consistently also ensures that saliva is continually produced, which keeps the teeth clean and balances acids. Without adequate water consumption, dry mouth can result in bad breath and tooth decay.

Making sure that you drink water with fluoride can help you strengthen your teeth’s enamel in addition to preventing cavities and tooth decay.

Achieve Your New Year’s Smile Goals

Setting New Year’s resolutions is important, as it helps you change unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier ones. Achieving better dental health is possible with hard work and persistence. It can help you to feel better about yourself and boost your confidence in a healthier, whiter smile.

If you are looking to reach better dental health in 2025, contact us at Robison Orthodontics for a consultation.

References:

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