5 Dental Resolutions That Actually Stick (And How to Keep Them)

Every January, millions of people resolve to take better care of their teeth. By February, most of those resolutions are forgotten. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five dental resolutions that are actually achievable—and how to make sure you stick with them all year long.

Why Most Dental Resolutions Fail

Let’s be honest: “I’ll take better care of my teeth” is about as vague as “I’ll eat healthier” or “I’ll exercise more.” Without a specific plan, good intentions fade fast.

The resolutions that stick share a few things in common:

• They’re specific – “Floss every night before bed” beats “floss more”
• They’re measurable – You know whether you did it or not
• They have built-in accountability – Something keeps you on track
• They start small – Big changes are hard; small habits compound

With that framework in mind, here are five dental resolutions worth making in 2026—and practical strategies to actually keep them.

Resolution #1: Floss Every Day (Yes, Really)

You’ve heard it a thousand times. Your dentist asks if you’ve been flossing, you mumble something noncommittal, and everyone moves on. But here’s the thing: flossing is the single most impactful thing you can do for your oral health between dental visits.

Brushing only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The other 40%? That’s the space between your teeth where cavities love to form and gum disease begins. No amount of brushing reaches those areas—only floss does.

How to Make It Stick

• Attach it to an existing habit: Floss right before you brush at night. The habit stacks onto something you already do automatically.
• Keep floss visible: If it’s buried in a drawer, you’ll forget. Put it next to your toothbrush.
• Try different tools: Traditional floss not working for you? Floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes all count. Find what you’ll actually use.
• Start with just a few teeth: Sounds silly, but if flossing feels like a chore, commit to flossing just your front teeth for the first week. Once the habit forms, expanding is easy.

After a few weeks of consistent flossing, you’ll notice the difference yourself—healthier gums, fresher breath, and a cleaner feeling that brushing alone never achieved.

Resolution #2: Schedule Both Dental Cleanings Now

Most people wait until they think they “need” a dental visit. By then, small issues have often become bigger problems. The solution? Schedule both of your 2026 cleanings right now, in January.

Here’s why this works:

• It removes decision fatigue: The appointments are already on your calendar. No need to think about it later.
• It maximizes your insurance: Most plans cover two preventive visits per year at 100%. Booking both ensures you won’t accidentally waste this benefit.
• It creates accountability: A scheduled appointment is much harder to skip than a vague intention to “go sometime.”

How to Make It Stick

• Book your second appointment before you leave the first one: Most dental offices (including ours) will schedule your next visit at checkout.
• Set calendar reminders: Add reminders a week before and a day before each appointment.
• Make it a family affair: If you have kids, schedule everyone’s dental cleanings together. One trip, everyone’s taken care of.

Need to book your first appointment of 2026? We’re currently scheduling new and returning patients at Upper West Side Dental.

Resolution #3: Finally Fix That Thing You’ve Been Ignoring

You know the one. Maybe it’s a tooth that’s been sensitive for months. A filling that feels rough. A chip you’ve learned to live with. That spot that bleeds when you brush.

We all have a tendency to ignore dental issues that aren’t causing acute pain. But here’s what years of dentistry have taught Dr. Shirley: dental problems don’t get better on their own. They only get more complicated and more expensive.

That sensitive tooth? Could be early decay that needs a simple filling—or it could progress to needing a root canal. That bleeding spot? Might be early gum disease that’s reversible now but won’t be later. That chip? It’s weakening the tooth structure every day.

How to Make It Stick

• Write it down: Literally write down the dental issue you’ve been putting off. Seeing it on paper makes it real.
• Set a deadline: Commit to addressing it by a specific date—ideally within the first quarter of 2026.
• Call today: The longer you wait, the easier it is to keep waiting. Momentum matters.

Worried about cost? Most issues are covered at least partially by insurance. We also work with patients on payment options for treatment not fully covered. Worried about pain or anxiety? Ask about sedation dentistry—we want you to be comfortable.

Whatever’s been holding you back, let 2026 be the year you finally take care of it.

Resolution #4: Upgrade Your Smile

Not every dental resolution is about fixing problems. Some are about finally getting the smile you’ve always wanted.

Maybe you’ve thought about whitening your teeth but never pulled the trigger. Maybe you’ve wondered if veneers could fix those chips or gaps. Maybe you’ve looked into clear aligners but weren’t sure if you were a candidate.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way. Today’s options are more accessible, more comfortable, and more natural-looking than ever. And the confidence that comes from loving your smile? That’s priceless.

Popular Smile Upgrades to Consider

• Professional teeth whitening: Dramatically brighter results than over-the-counter products, in just one visit
• Porcelain veneers: Transform the shape, size, and color of your teeth for a complete smile makeover
• Clear aligners: Straighten your teeth discreetly, without metal braces
• Dental implants: Replace missing teeth with permanent, natural-looking solutions
• Complete smile makeover: Combine multiple treatments for a total transformation

How to Make It Stick

• Schedule a consultation: The first step is just a conversation. Learn your options, get pricing, and see what’s possible.
• Set a target date: Have an event coming up—a wedding, reunion, big presentation? Use it as motivation.
• Start saving: If cost is a factor, set aside a small amount each month toward your smile goal.

Curious what’s possible for your smile? Dr. Shirley offers cosmetic consultations to discuss your goals and create a personalized plan.

Resolution #5: Quit Tobacco for Good

If you smoke or use tobacco products, you already know you should quit. You’ve probably tried before. But here’s some motivation from a dental perspective: tobacco use is one of the most damaging things you can do to your mouth.

The effects go far beyond stained teeth:

• Gum disease: Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease, and it progresses faster
• Oral cancer: Tobacco use is the leading cause of oral cancer
• Slower healing: After any dental procedure, smokers heal more slowly and have higher complication rates
• Implant failure: Smoking significantly increases the risk of dental implant failure
• Bad breath: Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing or mouthwash

The good news? Your mouth starts healing almost immediately after you quit. Within weeks, blood flow to your gums improves. Within months, your risk of gum disease starts dropping. Within years, your oral cancer risk decreases significantly.

How to Make It Stick

• Talk to your doctor: Nicotine replacement, medications, and counseling can all help. You don’t have to do it alone.
• Tell your dentist: We can monitor your oral health more closely and celebrate your progress with you.
• Set a quit date: Pick a specific date and tell people about it. Accountability helps.
• Plan for triggers: Know your weak moments (stress, social situations, after meals) and have alternatives ready.

Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your overall health—and your smile will thank you.

How Upper West Side Dental Helps You Stay on Track

Resolutions are easier to keep when you have support. At Upper West Side Dental, we’re more than just your twice-a-year cleaning—we’re your partner in long-term oral health.

Here’s how we help:

• Personalized care plans: Dr. Shirley creates treatment plans based on your specific needs and goals
• Insurance guidance: We verify your benefits and help you maximize your coverage
• Appointment reminders: We’ll make sure you don’t forget those important checkups
• Judgment-free environment: Been a while since your last visit? No lectures—just solutions
• Flexible scheduling: We work with your schedule to make dental care convenient

We’ve been serving families on the Upper West Side, in Morningside Heights, and throughout Harlem since 2011. Check out what our patients say about their experience.

Make 2026 Your Healthiest Smile Yet

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to improve your dental health. Pick one or two resolutions from this list. Start small. Build momentum. And remember: every positive change you make compounds over time.

A year from now, you could have healthier gums, a brighter smile, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re taking care of yourself. It all starts with one small step.

Have questions about any of these resolutions or want personalized recommendations? Give us a call—we’re always happy to help.