Ushering in the new year, most of us create a list of resolutions to better ourselves — and often, at least a few of them have to do with adopting healthier habits.
In 2026, you should include some intentions on your list that have to do with improving your dental health. After all, a healthy mouth and bright smile are musts!
Dr. Ali Saeghi and the Modern Age Dentistry team are invested in helping your teeth stay as healthy and beautiful as possible. By working with us, you can give your smile the best care between visits, so you feel proud of the smile you present to the world every day of the year.
When you take stock of how you’re caring for your teeth and gums on a daily basis, do you feel there’s room for improvement? For most of us, the answer is “yes.”
Of course, we want to strike that balance between practicing excellent dental hygiene and keeping our teeth as white and sparkling as they can be. Fortunately, the two go hand in hand. Here are three ways to give yourself the gift of good oral hygiene in 2026.
We know you’ve heard it hundreds of times — be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day, and floss at least once per day.
These are possibly the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health, along with going to your regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings with Dr. Saeghi.
Why are brushing and flossing so critical? Because they go a long way toward keeping gunk from food cleared off your teeth and from the spaces between them. When the plaque from eating and drinking accumulates on your teeth and doesn’t get removed through brushing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
The buildup of tartar not only causes tooth decay and cavities, but it’s also a path straight to gingivitis, or gum disease. And when gum disease becomes advanced (periodontitis), you experience:
To clean your teeth thoroughly, brush for at least two minutes with a soft bristle brush, use a fluoridated toothpaste that has the American Dental Association’s seal of approval, and floss well, really getting into the crevices between your teeth (but don’t be too rough).
In addition to dental floss, you can use a flossing device or an interdental brush. Afterward, complete your oral TLC with a swish of mouthwash.
Do you have chipped or cracked teeth, or even a missing tooth or teeth? You may be surprised to learn that about 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. These issues should be discussed with Dr. Saeghi, as there are solutions that can solve the challenges they present.
You shouldn’t settle for living with a gap in your mouth, since it can lead to problems with speaking and chewing, facial asymmetry, bone loss, bite problems, and tooth shifting.
Dr. Saeghi offers practical, comfortable, and lasting dental restoration solutions that address problems such as:
These restoration options ensure that your mouth is free of gaps and other vulnerabilities that can open the door to problems down the road.
We’re all busy, and it’s easy to procrastinate about going to your routine dental cleanings and checkups. However, it’s crucial to make that appointment and keep it, because during a checkup, Dr. Saeghi can see whether any dental problems are brewing, like a cavity, the beginnings of gingivitis, or another challenge.
The earlier he can treat a problem, the better your outcome. And with all treatments, Dr. Saeghi’s approach is to deliver the most advanced care with comfort and sensitivity.
In addition to carefully examining your teeth and gums and performing a thorough cleaning, our Modern Age team can educate you about habits that are harmful for your mouth, like smoking and eating poorly.
You should schedule a dental checkup every six months, or more often if Dr. Saeghi recommends that.
Make 2026 the best year ever for your smile. We’re here to partner with you in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and beautiful!
Contact the Modern Age Dentistry office that’s most convenient to you and schedule an appointment, or book one online. We have locations in Ojia, Atwater Village, and West Hills, California.
