A new year can be a blank slate – the perfect time to take stock of your current day-to-day and map out future plans. What goals or hopes do you have related to your career, friends and family, fitness, and oral health over the next 12 months? What you choose is up to you – from volunteering or getting better sleep to eating healthier or saving more money, a resolution can be about any trait you want to improve. However, it’s important to think about how to reach those goals as well. Studies show that 80% of New Year resolutions fall short – but they don’t have to! Instead, try these time-tested goal-setting techniques and help your resolutions flourish.

New Year, New Goals, New You!

By thinking through your resolution in advance, you can make it more concrete and achievable. Use the thought-starters below as you decide how to approach your goal.

• Set a specific goal: “I want to brush twice and floss once each day” is more targeted than “I want to brush more.” It is easier to achieve a goal when you set clear, upfront expectations.
• Track your progress: Monitor how you are doing. For brushing and flossing, you could keep a checklist by the bathroom mirror or use the notes app in your phone.
• Be realistic: Make sure you maintain reasonable to reach your end goal. Reducing your daily sugar intake to protect your teeth is possible, but eliminating sugar entirely is most likely unrealistic.
• Consider your daily routine: What changes will make you more likely to reach your goal? For instance, you could set a twice-daily alarm on your phone as a reminder to brush.

Great Oral Health Goals for 2024

Thankfully, caring for your teeth and gums doesn’t need to be complicated. A regular, daily oral health routine will help prevent common oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease! Follow these best practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums:

• Brush twice each day for two minutes each time, reaching the entire surface of each tooth.

• Use the right tools for the job – a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will clean your teeth most effectively.
• Care for your toothbrush by rinsing it thoroughly after use, storing it in a clean, dry place, and replacing it every 3-4 months (or when it begins to fray).
• Floss daily to avoid plaque buildup and cavities between your teeth.
• Consider using a tongue scraper to remove additional bacteria. You could even help restore your sense of taste!
• Eat a nutritious diet that is low in added sugars and rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wash away unwanted food particles in-between meals.
• Make the most of your dental benefits and follow through with your regular checkups. Your dentist will provide a thorough cleaning and help you detect (and resolve) any issues early, before they become more complex and costly.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

No matter what goal you choose, maintaining your motivation is vital to success. If you feel your motivation dwindling, here are a few ways to kickstart it once again.

• Remember your “why”: Make sure you know why you want to reach this goal. When your motivation starts to flag, focus on your “why” to keep going.
• Add a social aspect by finding friends with similar goals and checking in on your progress and keeping yourself accountable.
• Create a list of healthy rewards for when you reach a goal or milestone. For example, you could cook a favorite meal, contribute to a “new clothes” fund, or simply relax guilt-free each time you stick to your oral health routine for two weeks straight.
• Talk to the professionals. if you need a little guidance, always ask the experts. Your dentist, for example, can offer personalized advice and recommend oral care routines tailored to your needs. Find a dentist who will support you every step of the way.

Ready… Set… Go!

All that’s left is deciding which goals to pursue. Follow these tips and tricks to make 2024 the year your resolutions stick.