Goodbye, 2025. Welcome, healthy smiles in 2026
As we say goodbye to 2025, here’s a roundup of some advice from Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s dental professionals to take you into the new year with good oral health habits.
Skip sugar to avoid bad breath
Bacteria found in the mouth thrive on food particles, especially those with high sugar content. Skip cakes, chocolates and sodas.
“Plain yogurt is a good option for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The bacteria and probiotics in yogurt help balance the oral pH, which lessens the likelihood of tooth decay and helps combat bad breath.”
Eric Fox, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program
Garlic is good for teeth
Allicin, the same sulfur compound that makes breath smell bad after someone eats garlic, helps kill harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gum disease.
“You probably won’t invite many kisses immediately after eating garlic because of the smell, but your smile will show off the lasting effects. Brush your teeth 30 minutes or so after eating.”
Dr. Luz Mendoza, former program manager of public health sciences
Ways to cut out sugar
Start small. Sugar cravings are real.
“Eat unprocessed foods, such as nuts and whole grains, to help curb cravings. My favorite teeth-friendly, go-to snacks are carrots and apples.”
Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry
Brush your teeth before grabbing the first cup of coffee
Rinse your mouth. Wait about 30 minutes – then brush again.
“Brushing before drinking coffee removes plaque and biofilm that would otherwise act like a sticky surface for stains to cling to. Rinsing helps wash away pigments and acids, and waiting 30 minutes before brushing again prevents enamel damage since acids temporarily soften enamel and brushing too soon could erode it.”
Dr. Amal Noureldin, clinical professor in public health sciences and director of the predoctoral program
Quit the vape and e-cigarettes habits
There are people who can help you.
“Beyond addiction, it creates a perfect storm for oral disease. And the aerosol cloud doesn’t just affect the user; it exposes people nearby to harmful chemicals, making this a community health concern.”
Dr. Hoda Abdellatif, clinical associate professor in public health services and director of the department’s Community Outreach Office