3 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During the Holidays
Holiday treats are everywhere this time of year, and your teeth definitely feel it. This guide will demonstrate three practical ways you can keep your smile healthy during the season.
New Year, New Smile: 4 Resolutions for a Healthier Mouth in 2026
There’s something about a new year that makes people feel hopeful. It comes with the feeling of a fresh start, a chance to grow, reset old habits, and take better care of yourself. New Year’s resolutions often focus on fitness, diet, or mental well-being, but one area that’s easy to overlook is oral health.
To avoid emergency dental visits, painful procedures, or extensive restorative work later in the year, caring for your teeth and gums needs to be part of your plan. Maintaining a healthy mouth doesn’t require drastic changes. With a few intentional resolutions, you can protect your teeth and gums and avoid common dental problems throughout the year.
Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng at LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, California, provide comprehensive, experienced dental care and personalized guidance to help you build habits that support your long-term oral health. Here we cover four realistic tips that can help you start 2026 with a healthier mouth and fewer dental worries.
Keep up with regular dental visits
One of the easiest ways to protect your oral health is to be consistent with dental checkups and cleanings. Routine dental visits allow our team to catch issues like cavities, gum inflammation, and enamel wear early before they turn into painful or expensive problems.
Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t, helping prevent gum disease and tooth decay. If it’s been a while since your last visit, the new year is the perfect time to get back on track.
Improve your daily oral hygiene routine
Most people brush their teeth every day, but not everyone brushes effectively or consistently enough to protect their oral health. Brushing twice a day with proper technique helps remove plaque and bacteria that lead to cavities and gum disease.
Flossing daily is just as important, as it cleans the spaces between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping flossing allows bacteria to build up, which can lead to gum inflammation and decay over time.
Using the right products also matters. At Livwell Dentistry, we can recommend toothpaste, toothbrushes, or additional tools that suit your specific needs, whether you’re prone to sensitivity, cavities, or gum issues.
Be mindful of the foods and beverages you consume
Sugary foods, acidic drinks, and frequent snacking increase the risk of tooth decay by feeding the bacteria that cause cavities. That doesn’t mean you can never indulge. Drinking water throughout the day accomplishes two goals: washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. Limiting sugary snacks and beverages, especially between meals, can significantly reduce the strain on your teeth.
Acidic drinks such as soda, citrus juices, and energy drinks can weaken enamel over time, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. Being mindful of how often you consume them and rinsing with water afterward can help protect your enamel.
Don’t ignore early symptoms
Many dental problems typically start with mild sensitivity, occasional bleeding gums, jaw discomfort, or persistent bad breath. These can all be early signs of more serious problems. Paying attention to changes in your mouth and addressing them early can help you avoid emergency dental visits and complex treatments later. Gum disease, cavities, and infections are far easier to treat when caught early.
The new year offers an opportunity to invest in yourself, and your smile is a big part of that. With the right habits and professional guidance, you can protect your oral health, avoid unnecessary dental problems, and feel more confident every time you smile.
If you’re ready to make 2026 the year you prioritize your dental health, schedule an appointment with us online or call us at 415-477-3700 today.
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