A fresh start is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to leave a few not-so-great habits behind—especially when it comes to your oral health. You don’t need to wait for a major resolution to make a difference. Breaking just a few everyday habits can go a long way toward keeping your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your dental visits stress-free.

Here are five common habits to kick before the year wraps up—plus better alternatives to carry into the new year.

1. Skipping Your Nighttime Brushing

We get it. The end of the day can be exhausting. But skipping your evening brush means bacteria, food particles, and acids have all night to sit on your teeth. With less saliva flowing while you sleep, your mouth is even more vulnerable to decay and gum inflammation.

Break the habit: Make brushing part of your wind-down routine: right after dinner or before settling in with a show. Keep your toothbrush visible as a reminder, and remember: two minutes of brushing is easier than an unexpected filling later.

2. Sipping Slowly on Sugary Drinks

Nursing a peppermint mocha or holiday punch all afternoon might sound festive, but it exposes your teeth to sugar and acid for hours at a time. This frequent exposure gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to do damage.

Break the habit: Enjoy your drink during a set time rather than sipping throughout the day. Rinse with water afterward or chew sugar-free gum to help neutralize acids. And when possible, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth.

3. Biting Your Nails or Chewing on Pens

Whether it’s from stress, boredom, or focus, these unconscious habits can lead to chips, cracks, and enamel wear—especially on your front teeth. Nail biting also introduces more bacteria into your mouth, increasing the risk of gum irritation.

Break the habit: Keep your nails short and use stress-relief tools like a fidget device, stress ball, or even a sugar-free mint. Becoming aware of the triggers behind the habit is the first step to replacing it with something healthier.

4. Ignoring That Lingering Sensitivity or Sore Spot

If you’ve been noticing sharp twinges with cold drinks or a sore spot near your gums, don’t wait for it to get worse. Many people put off minor symptoms during the holidays, only to start the new year with a full-blown dental issue.

Break the habit: Schedule that checkup before the end of the year. Catching problems early can prevent the need for more extensive treatment later, and you may still be able to use remaining insurance benefits before they expire.

5. Brushing Too Hard or Using the Wrong Brush

Brushing aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can actually wear down enamel and damage your gums. It might feel like you’re doing a thorough job, but it can lead to recession, sensitivity, and long-term harm.

Break the habit: Switch to a soft-bristled brush and use gentle, circular motions. If you’re not sure you’re brushing correctly, ask your dental team at your next visit. A quick adjustment in technique can make a big difference.

Better oral health doesn’t require a total routine overhaul. Just a few mindful changes to habits that often go unnoticed. By breaking these small behaviors now, you’ll set yourself (and your smile) up for a healthier, more confident new year.

Need help with any of these habits? Book a visit before the year ends, and we’ll help you start strong in the months ahead.

Call Melton Dental at 406-521-1324 for an appointment in Helena, MT. You can also schedule online.