We’ve all been there—January 1st rolls around, and suddenly we’re convinced this is the year we’ll finally floss every single day. But by February? Those dental health resolutions have somehow disappeared along with our gym memberships. The good news is that improving your oral health doesn’t require superhuman willpower. It just needs the right approach.
At BlueDot Dental, Dr. Aaron Jeziorski helps patients create sustainable habits that actually improve their smiles for the long haul. Here are five oral health resolutions that you can realistically maintain throughout the year and beyond.
Make Brushing Twice a Day Non-Negotiable
You’ve heard it a million times, but brushing twice a day remains the foundation of cavity prevention and gum disease prevention. The trick to making this stick? Remove the decision-making process entirely.
Set specific times for brushing—like right after breakfast and as part of your nighttime routine. When you anchor brushing to activities you already do consistently, it becomes automatic rather than optional. Consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush if you haven’t already. Many models include built-in timers that ensure you’re brushing for the full two minutes, and the oscillating bristles can be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushing.
Don’t forget to use fluoride toothpaste for maximum protection against tooth decay. These small changes create big results for your dental health tips for the new year.
Actually Floss (Here’s How to Make It Happen)
If your New Year’s dental goals include flossing daily, you’re not alone—and you’re also statistically likely to give up. But habit stacking can change that.
Instead of treating flossing as a separate task, link it directly to something you already do. Keep floss right next to your toothbrush and commit to flossing immediately before or after brushing as one continuous action. If traditional string floss feels like a chore, try a water flosser, which many people find easier and more enjoyable to use.
The key to healthy gums isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. Even if you miss a day here or there, getting back on track immediately prevents the “why bother” mentality from derailing your progress entirely.
Create an Oral Care Schedule You Can Actually Follow
Realistic goals beat ambitious ones every single time. Rather than overhauling your entire routine overnight, focus on easy dental habits to start this year by adding just one improvement at a time.
Maybe this month you focus on perfecting your nighttime routine. Next month, you add mouthwash to your morning ritual. Breaking down how to improve dental health in the new year into manageable steps prevents overwhelm and builds genuine momentum. Your oral care schedule should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Schedule Your Biannual Checkups Now
Here’s one resolution that takes five minutes to complete: schedule both of your biannual checkups right now. Seriously—pull out your phone and do it before you finish reading this article.
Preventative care is the most powerful tool for maintaining fresh breath, healthy gums, and a cavity-free smile. Professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing and flossing simply can’t reach, and early detection of issues saves you time, discomfort, and money down the road.
At BlueDot Dental, we make it easy to keep these appointments by sending reminders and working with your schedule. Call us at (480) 712-6728 to get on the calendar for the entire year.
Find an Accountability Partner
One of the most underrated dental health resolutions? Getting someone else involved. Whether it’s a family member, roommate, or friend, having someone check in on your progress makes you significantly more likely to follow through.
Share your oral health resolutions with someone who can gently remind you about your goals. You might even turn it into a friendly competition—who can maintain their streak longer? Accountability transforms how to improve dental health in the new year from a solo challenge into a shared commitment.
Making lasting improvements to your dental health doesn’t require dramatic changes or perfect execution. It requires small changes, realistic expectations, and a dental team that supports your goals. Ready to make this your healthiest year yet? Contact BlueDot Dental at (480) 712-6728 to partner with Dr. Aaron Jeziorski on creating a personalized plan that actually works for your life.