New Year, New Habits: Simple Oral Health Resolutions to Support Your Smile

I have always loved the New Year. Not in a new-year-new-me pressure-filled way, but as a chance to pause, reflect and reset. I like taking a moment to think about what has worked well over the last year (and what really hasn’t!), and giving myself permission to start again with things that maybe slipped when life got busy. And let’s be honest, with work, family and everything else going on, that happens to all of us.

January is a month full of fresh starts; even small fitness or healthier eating lifestyle changes can also help teeth, gums and overall oral health (especially after possibly a few too many sugary treats over the festive season…?). Without adding extra pressure, just a few gentle changes can help you (and your family) enjoy healthier, brighter smiles throughout 2026.

Santa delivered an electric toothbrush for Christmas? Fantastic!

I will admit it...I got a new electric toothbrush for Christmas and it has genuinely transformed my routine. It is one of those small changes that makes a big difference, especially when you are juggling a busy working life and family.

Studies show that electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively than manual brushes, particularly when combined with:

• Brushing for a full two minutes

• Using a fluoride toothpaste

• Replacing brush heads every three months

  
  

Simple, but powerful when done consistently.

Dry January: A break your teeth will thank you for

Did you know reducing or pausing alcohol intake for Dry January has benefits for your oral health as well as your general health? Even a short break can give your mouth a welcome rest, including:

• Preventing enamel erosion from acidic, high-sugar alcoholic drinks

• Lowering your risk of gum disease and irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth

• Reducing staining and discolouration from red wine, dark spirits and some cocktails

• Improved hydration, which helps saliva do its job of naturally protecting teeth

Thinking of quitting smoking? Your gums will love you

If reducing or quitting is on your New Year list, your oral health stands to benefit enormously:

• Reduced risk of gum disease; improved oxygen and blood flow helps fight infection and inflammation

• Less plaque and tartar build-up due to lower bacteria levels

• Improved healing following dental treatment

• Reduced staining as tar levels fall, often making teeth noticeably whiter

• Fresher breath, without lingering smoke-related odours

• Reduced risk of tooth loss in the long term

  
  

Refresh everyday habits

January is the perfect time to refresh your daily routine. One of my favourite low-pressure resolutions is “brush better, not harder”. It is realistic, achievable and it works.

Little improvements really do add up, such as:

• Flossing or using interdental brushes at least three times a week (daily is even better)

• Swapping some sugary snacks for tooth-friendly alternatives

• Drinking more water, especially between meals

• Keeping fluoride gum or toothpaste handy for on-the-go protection

• Not skipping your dental and hygiene appointments; prevention is always easier than treatment

(And if, like me, you are squeezing fitness into busy days with things like air squats while brushing your teeth… you are not alone!)

Supporting children’s oral health in 2026

As you may know, we are incredibly passionate about children’s oral health and education. January is a great time to reset family routines, and habits formed now often stay for life.

A few simple ways to support children include:

• Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and an age-appropriate brush

• Keeping sugary drinks to mealtimes only

• Supervising brushing until at least age 7

• Making it fun; timers, music, charts or apps all help

• Keeping dental routines up to date; book their next routine dental check-up

• Making tooth care part of education; get in touch to arrange free school, nursery or community visits from our friendly Tooth Fairy

A kind, gentle start to 2026

So, what are our resolutions?

Some of Crossbank Dental Care’s goals for 2026 include restoring more smiles and confidence, continuing to spread the word about oral health, supporting fantastic causes such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Bridge2Aid and Outside In, driving sustainability within the practice, investing in and valuing our brilliant team, strengthening community connections and working towards B Corp accreditation – plus plenty more we will share with you along the way.

If you would like advice, support with your routine, or help making positive changes to your oral health this year, our team is here. We are friendly, we do not judge and we genuinely love helping people (and families) feel confident about their smile.

Here’s to a healthy, happy 2026.

Bex x