New year, new smile: 10 ways to improve your dental health in 2025

The start of a new year is a good time to take stock of our habits, both good and bad, and consider what needs to change. If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to maintain better oral health, we’ve compiled a list of 10 ways you can achieve healthier teeth and a brighter smile in 2025.

Upgrade to an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes simply clean your teeth better than manual ones do, and making the switch can go a long way toward reducing plaque buildup and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. There are numerous styles of electric toothbrushes on the market today, and many dentists consider toothbrushes with a rotating head to be more effective than oscillating (i.e. vibrating) models. That being said, you don’t have to buy the most expensive model. You can get a great electric toothbrush for under $50.

Keep Your Six-Month Appointments

Regular dental appointments twice a year (ideally every six months) for routine teeth cleaning is the best way to consistently maintain your oral health. Keeping these appointments will also allow your dentist to catch any potential issues, like cavities that may be developing, before they become too serious.

Quit a Bad Oral Habit

Plenty of bad habits could potentially be damaging your teeth and gums. Smoking is one of the biggest culprits, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss, among many other health concerns. In addition to quitting tobacco, reducing your sugar intake—especially sugary drinks like soda—can make a huge difference. Studies have also shown a correlation between consistent alcohol use and tooth loss, so consider cutting down on alcohol consumption as well, especially alcoholic beverages that are high in sugar.

Brush for a Full Two Minutes

Studies show that most Americans brush for less than 60 seconds. Start putting in the effort to go a full two minutes, and your oral health will improve as a result. You can even set a timer for yourself or use an electric toothbrush that has a built-in timer that automatically shuts off after two minutes.

Reduce Sources of Stains

Of all the substances that stain one’s teeth, coffee is probably the most serious offender. Note that we’re saying “reduce” here instead or “eliminate” because let’s face it; if coffee is part of your daily routine, it can be extremely hard to give it up. But there’s no doubt that it stains your teeth, so try to confine your coffee consumption to specific hours of the day and always brush your teeth after you’ve finished drinking coffee for the day. And remember that, contrary to popular myth, drinking coffee with cream doesn’t stain your teeth any less than drinking it black.

Ask Your Dentist About That Toothache

Do you have tooth pain that you’ve been avoiding dealing with? Toothache is often a sign that you have a cavity or other serious dental issue, and these issues have a way of worsening the longer they go untreated. Getting a filling today could prevent you from having to get a root canal down the road.

Floss Every Day

Hold yourself accountable and remember to floss every day. Doing so will reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease while also consistently keeping your breath fresher. Either traditional floss or floss picks will do the job, but while floss picks are great for convenience, most dentists consider traditional floss to be more effective.

Get Restorative Care

If you have a broken, chipped, missing or otherwise damaged tooth and have been putting off getting it fixed, let’s make this the year you reach out to your dentist and have it taken care of. Fixing a damaged or missing tooth can restore your smile and confidence, as well as help improve your overall oral health.

Stay Hydrated

There are numerous benefits to staying hydrated, one of which is a healthier mouth. Dehydration can cause your mouth to dry out, and without enough saliva to wash away bacteria from your teeth, those bacteria can flourish, causing bad breath and potential tooth decay.

Call Your Dentist Today

A recent survey by the American Dental Association showed that just 40% of working-age American adults had been to the dentist in the last year. If you’re among the 60% who are currently going years without having visited a dentist, now is the time to start reversing that trend. Give your dentist a call and schedule a check-up. Avoiding the dentist can only lead to dental issues worsening and multiplying, which is why it’s so crucial not to wait.

Robyn May, DMD is a dentist at ROC Dental Group in Bluffton. Learn more at ROCDentalGroup.com.