2026 Smile Resolutions: Simple Changes That Can Transform Your Oral Health This Year

The start of a new year brings fresh motivation to improve our health, and while fitness goals and nutrition plans often take center stage, your smile deserves a spot on that resolution list too. Your oral health is more connected to your overall well-being than you might realize, affecting everything from heart health to sleep quality.

The good news? Achieving a healthier, more confident smile doesn’t require dramatic changes. Small, consistent habits can make a significant difference in your dental health throughout the year and beyond. Here are practical smile resolutions worth adopting in 2026.

Commit to Consistent Daily Care

The foundation of excellent oral health starts with what you do every morning and every night. According to dental health data, only about 68% of Americans brush twice daily as recommended, which means roughly one-third of us are skipping essential brushing sessions.

Make this the year you establish an unwavering routine. Brush for a full two minutes twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Two minutes can feel longer than expected, so consider using a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure you’re giving your teeth the attention they need.

Flossing is equally important, yet it’s often the first step people skip when they’re tired or rushed. Dental plaque can harden into tartar in as little as 48 hours, eventually leading to cavities and gum disease. Commit to flossing once daily, whether it’s in the morning, at night, or even after lunch. Keep floss picks in your car, desk drawer, or nightstand so you’re never without access.

Schedule Your Preventive Visits Early

Only about half of Americans visit the dentist twice a year as recommended, and many adults only schedule appointments when something hurts. By then, small issues have often become bigger, more expensive problems.

Start the year by booking both of your 2026 dental checkups now. Having those appointments already scheduled eliminates the temptation to procrastinate. Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup that brushing alone cannot address, and routine examinations catch potential issues like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer in their earliest, most treatable stages.

Dr. Wayne Suway and his team in Vinings have served Atlanta area families for over 30 years, providing comprehensive examinations and cleanings in a comfortable, lakeside setting. Regular visits to a trusted dental team are one of the most valuable investments you can make in your long-term health.

Address That Dental Concern You’ve Been Ignoring

Many people live with dental issues they’ve grown accustomed to, whether it’s a chipped tooth, persistent sensitivity, discoloration, or gaps that make them hesitant to smile fully. This year, resolve to finally address those concerns.

Modern dentistry offers solutions for virtually every cosmetic and restorative need. Options include:

• Cosmetic Bonding: A quick, affordable option for repairing chips, closing small gaps, or improving tooth shape in just one visit
• Porcelain Veneers: Custom-crafted shells that can completely transform the appearance of stained, misshapen, or uneven teeth
• Professional Teeth Whitening: Safe, effective treatments that deliver dramatically brighter results than over-the-counter products
• Dental Implants: Permanent solutions for missing teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth
• Crowns and Bridges: Restorations that protect damaged teeth and replace missing ones for a complete, functional smile

Whatever has been holding you back from the smile you want, make 2026 the year you take action. A Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Suway has the advanced training and decades of experience to handle even complex full-mouth rehabilitations.

Pay Attention to Your Sleep Quality

If you wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or feeling exhausted despite a full night’s rest, your sleep—and your oral health—may be suffering. An estimated 25 million American adults have obstructive sleep apnea, and approximately 80% remain undiagnosed. This condition causes repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night, preventing restful sleep and increasing risk for serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Dentists are often among the first healthcare providers to recognize signs of sleep apnea. Tooth grinding, worn tooth surfaces, a scalloped tongue, and redness in the throat are all oral indicators that point toward this sleep disorder. The connection between sleep apnea and oral health is bidirectional—the condition can cause bruxism, dry mouth, and periodontal problems, while certain oral anatomy can contribute to airway obstruction.

Dr. Suway is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, making him uniquely qualified to identify sleep apnea symptoms and provide treatment. Custom oral appliances offer a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP machines for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. If you suspect poor sleep is affecting your health, make this the year you discuss it with your dental team.

Break Habits That Harm Your Teeth

The new year is the perfect time to eliminate behaviors that damage your smile. Some habits to leave behind in 2025:

• Using Teeth as Tools: Opening packages, tearing tape, or cracking nuts with your teeth can cause chips, cracks, and fractures. Keep scissors handy instead.
• Chewing on Ice or Hard Objects: This seemingly harmless habit can damage enamel and crack teeth. Opt for sugar-free gum if you need something to chew.
• Nail Biting: Beyond the hygiene concerns, nail biting stresses your jaw and can chip front teeth over time.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco dramatically increase risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Quitting improves oral health relatively quickly.
• Excessive Snacking: Frequent snacking, especially on sugary or acidic foods, keeps teeth constantly exposed to cavity-causing acids. Try to limit eating to meals and designated snack times.

Upgrade Your Oral Care Tools

Sometimes better results come from better equipment. Consider upgrading your oral care arsenal this year:

• Electric Toothbrush: Studies show electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushing. Many models include timers and pressure sensors to improve technique.
• Water Flosser: If traditional flossing feels like a chore, a water flosser provides an easier alternative that’s especially helpful for those with dental work like bridges, implants, or braces.
• Tongue Scraper: Much of the bacteria that causes bad breath lives on the tongue. A dedicated tongue scraper removes more bacteria than brushing alone.
• Fresh Toothbrush Heads: Whether manual or electric, replace your brush or brush head every three months or sooner if bristles become frayed.

Nourish Your Smile Through Diet

What you eat directly affects your dental health. Resolve to incorporate more smile-friendly foods in 2026:

• Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery naturally help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids.
• Dairy Products: Cheese, yogurt, and milk are rich in calcium and phosphates that strengthen tooth enamel.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens contain vitamins and minerals essential for gum health.
• Water: Staying hydrated promotes saliva production and helps rinse away food particles and bacteria throughout the day.

Equally important is limiting foods that harm teeth. Sugary snacks and beverages feed the bacteria that cause cavities, while acidic foods and drinks can erode protective enamel over time.

Make Your Smile Goals a Reality in Vinings

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and it plays a significant role in your confidence, your health, and how you feel every day. The new year offers a fresh opportunity to prioritize the dental care you may have been putting off.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, want to explore cosmetic options, or suspect a sleep disorder may be affecting your health, Dr. Wayne Suway and his team are here to help. With over 30 years of experience, advanced credentials including Diplomate status in both the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and a commitment to patient comfort, the practice offers comprehensive care for every member of your family.

Start 2026 with a smile you love. Contact the office of Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD, D.ABDSM at (770) 953-1752 to schedule your appointment. The practice serves patients throughout Atlanta, Vinings, Marietta, and the surrounding North Atlanta communities from their scenic lakeside office in the North X Northwest Office Park.