New Year, New Smile: 5 Resolutions for Better Oral Health

The new year is upon us, and lots of people find this season invigorating. The fresh start presents a great opportunity to build new habits or ditch old ones.

We want to take advantage of this season. If you’re adopting New Year’s resolutions, we’d like to propose a few extras. Pair these guidelines with our family dentistry services for good oral health in 2026.

At Riverside Dental in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York, Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team provide the care you need to address oral health concerns such as cavities and gum disease. 

To help you avoid these kinds of problems this year, we recommend five oral health New Year’s resolutions.

#1: Floss more

If you don’t floss very often, you’re not alone. Just over 37% of people say they floss less than daily, and about one in three say they never floss. 

Flossing does work your toothbrush can’t. It gets into the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque can hide — and thrive. 

If you’ve had trouble developing a flossing habit in the past, try something different this year. You could get a water flosser or put your floss in the shower. 

#2: Drink up (water)

Staying hydrated does a lot for your oral health. Drinking water right after a meal can wash away food particles that would otherwise feed plaque. Plus, water fights dry mouth. And if you drink fluoridated water, it helps strengthen your teeth. 

#3: Check your gums

When most people think about oral health, they think about their teeth. Your gums are just as important, though. And gum disease is extremely common across the country. 

If your gums look red, feel tender, or bleed easily, you might have early-stage gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing can usually reverse it.

If your gums are starting to recede, you may have moved into periodontitis. Get Dr. Master-Patel involved. She specializes in reversing periodontal disease. 

#4: Quit tobacco

If you’ve been looking for another reason to kick the habit, this is it. Tobacco can cause oral cancers, tooth decay, and gum disease. 

#5: Schedule your dental exams

Want to resolve to do something in 2026, and then crush that goal right away? Make both of your dental appointments for this year now. 

Seeing Dr. Master-Patel twice in 2026 means you get the oral care you need. She can look for problems like gum disease, clean away tartar (hardened plaque), and help you move toward your oral health goals.

To schedule your 2026 dental appointments, call the Riverside Dental office nearest you or book your visits online today.