Ring in 2026 With a Confident Smile: New Year Dental Goals That Actually Work

skatragadda09 • January 1, 2026

Happy New Year, Nashua! As we step into 2026, there's never been a better time to make your smile a priority. Whether you're looking for a trusted dentist in Nashua, NH, or seeking comprehensive family dental care, starting the year with a focus on your oral health sets you up for twelve months of success and confidence.

At Krothapalli Family Dental, we believe that every New Year brings fresh opportunities to transform your smile and establish habits that will benefit you for years to come. When you choose a local dentist who truly cares about the Nashua community, you're not just getting dental services—you're gaining a partner in your journey toward optimal oral health and wellbeing.

Ring in 2026 With Smarter Dental Goals

New Year's resolutions often fail because they're too vague or ambitious. "I'll take better care of my teeth" sounds good, but what does it actually mean? This year, we're helping Nashua families set specific, achievable dental goals that create lasting change. Think of these as your blueprint for a healthier, more confident smile in 2026.

Goal 1: Schedule Both Preventive Appointments Now. Don't wait until summer to think about your spring cleaning. Book your two dental checkups for 2026 right now—one for spring (March-May) and one for fall (September-November). When you commit to these appointments at the start of the year, you're 85% more likely to follow through. Your Nashua dentist can work around your schedule, finding times that don't disrupt work, school, or family activities.

Goal 2: Perfect Your Brushing Routine. You brush every day, but are you doing it right? This year, focus on quality over speed. Brush for the full two minutes, twice daily, using gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Don't forget often-missed areas like the back of your molars and along the gumline. Consider setting a timer or using an electric toothbrush with a built-in two-minute timer to ensure you're getting the clean your teeth deserve.

Goal 3: Floss Like Your Smile Depends On It (Because It Does). Flossing removes plaque and food particles from the 40% of tooth surfaces your toothbrush can't reach. Yet most Americans don't floss daily. This year, break that pattern. Whether you prefer traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser, commit to daily flossing. Your Nashua family dentist will notice the difference at your next checkup—healthier gums, fresher breath, and fewer cavities.

Goal 4: Rethink Your Beverage Choices. Sugary and acidic drinks create the perfect environment for cavities. This year, make water your default beverage. When you do enjoy soda, juice, or sports drinks, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinse with water afterward. Small changes in what you drink throughout the day can dramatically reduce your cavity risk and protect your enamel from erosion.

Goal 5: Address Dental Concerns Immediately. That slight sensitivity when you bite down? The gums that bleed when you floss? These aren't problems that will solve themselves. Make 2026 the year you stop ignoring warning signs and contact your dentist in Nashua as soon as you notice something off. Early intervention almost always means simpler, less expensive treatment and better long-term outcomes for your oral health.

Why January Is Prime Time for Dental Care in Nashua

January offers unique advantages that make it the smartest month to prioritize your dental health. Your insurance benefits have just reset, giving you fresh coverage for preventive care that's typically covered at 100%. If you have an FSA or HSA, those funds are now fully available to use for any dental treatments you've been postponing. Financially speaking, there's no better time to maximize your dental benefits.

Beyond the financial benefits, January also brings practical scheduling advantages. Dental practices in Nashua typically have more appointment availability in early January, before the year gets busy. You'll enjoy shorter wait times, more flexible scheduling options, and the ability to secure convenient appointment slots that work with your family's routines. Plus, starting your year with a comprehensive dental checkup creates positive momentum for other health goals you've set for 2026.

There's also something psychologically powerful about beginning the year by taking care of yourself. When you prioritize dental health in January, you're making a statement about your values and your commitment to overall wellness. This mindset often extends to other areas of health, creating a ripple effect of positive choices throughout the year. You're not just cleaning your teeth—you're setting the tone for a year of better health decisions.

Finding the Right Dentist in Nashua for Your Family

When you're searching for a family dentist in Nashua, NH, you want a practice that understands the unique needs of every family member. At Krothapalli Family Dental, we provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages—from children experiencing their first dental visit to seniors maintaining their smiles through their golden years. Our approach focuses on prevention, education, and building long-term relationships with our patients.

We believe that exceptional dental care should be accessible and comfortable for everyone. That's why we offer flexible scheduling, including early morning and evening appointments to accommodate busy work and school schedules. We work with most insurance plans and provide transparent pricing so you always know what to expect. For patients without insurance, we offer affordable payment options that make quality dental care accessible to all Nashua families.

Our team takes time to get to know each patient personally—understanding your concerns, your goals, and any anxieties you might have about dental treatment. We use the latest technology to make diagnosis more accurate and treatment more comfortable, from digital X-rays that reduce radiation exposure to gentle techniques that minimize discomfort. When you partner with a dentist who genuinely cares about your success, achieving your oral health goals becomes significantly easier.

Creating Your Family's 2026 Dental Care Plan

A comprehensive family dental strategy ensures that everyone in your household receives the personalized care they need. Start by assessing each family member's current oral health status and specific needs for the year ahead. Children may benefit from protective sealants on their developing permanent teeth, fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel, or early orthodontic evaluation. Teenagers need reinforcement about proper oral hygiene as they navigate busy schedules and social pressures. Adults should focus on maintaining gum health and addressing any existing concerns, while seniors may require specialized attention for issues like dry mouth or gum recession.

Consider coordinating dental appointments to make the most of your family's time. Many practices, including ours, offer scheduling that allows multiple family members to receive care during the same visit. This approach saves time, reduces the burden on busy schedules, and reinforces the message that oral health matters for everyone. When the whole family prioritizes dental care together, it becomes part of your family culture rather than a chore to be avoided.

Your Nashua family dentist can help you create a customized timeline for each person's dental care throughout 2026. Whether it's scheduling routine cleanings, planning for cosmetic improvements, or addressing specific concerns, having a clear roadmap makes it easier to stay on track and achieve your family's oral health goals.

Take the First Step Toward a Confident Smile

Transform your smile in 2026 by taking action today. Whether you need a routine cleaning, have been avoiding a dental concern, or want to explore cosmetic options like teeth whitening or veneers, now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment. The team at Krothapalli Family Dental is ready to welcome you and your family, providing the compassionate, expert care that Nashua residents trust.

Don't let another year go by wishing for a healthier, more beautiful smile. Make 2026 the year you finally achieve the oral health you deserve. Your new smile is waiting—all you have to do is pick up the phone or send us a message to get started.

Ready to ring in 2026 with your healthiest smile yet? Contact Krothapalli Family Dental today to schedule your New Year appointment and discover why so many Nashua families choose us for their dental care. Let's make this your best smile year!

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for Your Family

By Krothapalli Family Dental • December 28, 2025
Expert guide on selecting the perfect toothbrush for every family member. Learn about bristle types, manual vs electric options, proper sizing, and replacement guidelines to optimize your family's oral health routine.

Holiday Dental Care Guide: Expert Tips From Krothapalli Family Dental

By Dr. Krothapalli and Team • December 28, 2025
Expert holiday dental care tips from Krothapalli Family Dental. Learn how to protect your teeth from holiday treats, maintain oral hygiene while traveling, and prevent dental emergencies this season.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health Between Dental Appointments

By Gerald M • July 2, 2019
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new Nashua, NH dentist ? Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .

The Impact of Sugary Drinks on Teeth

By Gerald M • June 29, 2019
Now that the warmer weather is saturating the country, the consumption of sugary drinks is going to escalate considerably. Be it sweet tea or a sports drink or soda pop, people will be tossing them down to quench their thirst and battle the heat. With each sip, though, depending on the type of drink being consumed, you could be doing considerable damage to your teeth. Sure, it may take some time to come to fruition, but all that sugar will take a toll. Defining ‘Sugary’ Drinks It is very important to make note that even some drinks deemed healthy can actually do damage if the proper oral hygiene regimen is not in place. In this particular category, fruit drinks come to mind. Drinks like orange juice, cranberry juice, and smoothies fall into this category. While they may be “healthy” drinks, they also happen to be loaded with sugars. The Damage Whenever you toss down one of these sugar-packed drinks, you are unleashing the sugar on your teeth. While you may believe you have swallowed every ounce of the drink, rest assured, remnants of it are left behind on the surface of the tooth. When this happens, the bacteria in your mouth meant to consume the sugar are also doing damage to the surface of the tooth, eating away at the enamel. Eventually, that enamel gets weaker and we see the beginnings of a cavity forming. Avoiding the Damage of Sugary Drinks The obvious answer here is to cut out sugary drinks altogether, but that is not realistic, especially for health enthusiasts and athletes. For many people, those sugary drinks are the difference in completing the long run or ride and bonking out. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage done and keep the risk of cavities to a minimum. Today, there are several options for rinsing your mouth on the go. Listerine is now selling “portable” chews that can be used. When you are really in a crunch, simply take some water and swish it around in your mouth to get as much of the sugar off your teeth and out of your mouth as possible. For athletes, simply carry an extra bottle filled with water and sip that after sipping on your sports drink. If you have been putting off going to the dentist, now is the time to get your oral health back on track. If you are in need of a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love to have you join our family! For more information about our dental services or our contact information to make an appointment, please click here .

Finding a Dentist for Your Kids

By Gerald M • June 27, 2019
More and more parents are starting to recognize how important it is to provide age-1 dental care for their kids but many are still not sure what kind of dentist their child should be seeing. According to Cindy Bauer, DDS, MAGD, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, there are many general dentists who are qualified to care for children. “Parents should seek out a dental office that provides a fun environment for children, so that they are excited about coming to the dentist’s office.” This is why so many dentists have gone out of their way to create an office environment that is specifically child-friendly. They may have entertainment available for children and parents including video games, books, games, and access to movies. In order to best prepare the child and avoid any surprises, parents should speak to the dentist about what procedures will happen at the first appointment. Parents should also have a plan in mind for either reaction from the child – a positive or a negative. Remember that very small children may have trouble sitting still during the visit. Build excitement by speaking to the child ahead of time about what they can expect. Also, remember to bring the child’s complete medical history for the dentist to review. If a parent can sense anxiety in their child with regard to the dentist, they should find out whether the dentist is willing to do a pre-visit. In many cases, the dentist will use a pre-visit to ease any fears the child may have by letting them get used to the office. They will give the child a tour of the facility, show them the tools they will use during the exam, let them sit in the dentist’s chair, and possibly even demonstrate on an older family member. The most important thing, according to Dr. Bauer, is to make sure children have regularly scheduled visits with their dentist. “This will help them have better oral health for the rest of their lives.” How to Calm Your Child’s Nerves About the Dentist: · Ask the dentist about the best way to explain the dental visit to your child. · Arrange for your child to have a tour of the dentist’s office prior to their visit. · Ask if the child can bring an older family member into the exam room with them. · Avoid giving your child foods with caffeine or sugar prior to the appointment. If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , look no further than the Krothapalli Family Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to help you get that beautiful smile you deserve. For more information about our services to schedule an appointment, please click here .

Dental Tips for Your Vacation

By Gerald M • June 22, 2019
Summer is finally here, and many people are finally going on their long-awaited vacations. Of course, nobody wants to have an issue with their teeth when they are away from home but being prepared for this type of issue can help you deal with it faster and get back to your vacation. Here are a few tips on how to handle a dental issue while you are on vacation. They always say that the best defense is a good offense. Make sure that you are up to date on your dental checkups before you leave on vacation. This will help you identify any small issues with your teeth that have the potential to turn into major problems while you are away. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but your dentist will have updated records just in case you do run into trouble. Of course, emergencies sometimes occur, even when you have taken all the right steps to prevent them. Keep contact information for your dentist with your travel documents and make sure that you have the office number in your phone. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you solve your dental problem over the phone and help you get comfortable until you can come home and have an appointment. If you are out of the country, getting the dental care you need may be a bit more complicated, but it is still possible. Contact the US embassy to find a dentist who was trained in the United State. Cruise ships and resort hotels often have a list of providers for emergency dental services. Ask the concierge to help you set up an emergency appointment. When you are out of the country visiting friends or family, go with their best recommendation for dental care. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a vacation, we often forget something as simple as packing a toothbrush. If you are stuck without a toothbrush and nowhere to get one, you can still take simple steps to clean your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove bacteria and sugars from the surface of your teeth. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth until you are able to locate a proper toothbrush. When you do track one down, an ADA approved toothbrush is best but, if that isn’t possible, try to find one with soft bristles. Most of your favorite toothbrush brands can be purchased in any area of the world. Make sure that when you do pack your toothbrush, you do it with care. When we are at home, our toothbrushes have a chance to dry out. Bacteria won’t grow in a dry environment because it needs moisture to live. However, if you brush your teeth right before you leave, you might not have time to let it dry before you need to pack it. In this case, put your toothbrush in a clean plastic bag and keep it away from other items in your suitcase. As soon as possible, take your toothbrush out so that it can dry completely. Sugarless gum is one of the most important things you can keep on you for your dental health while you are traveling. For one thing, it will offer much-needed relief if you experience ear pressure during a plane takeoff or landing. However, sugarless gum can also help reduce your risk of cavities. If you are indulging in a lot of sweet treats during your vacation, chew a piece of sugarless gum afterward to protect your teeth. If you have a crown or bridge in your mouth that becomes loose during vacation, you can use sugar-free gum as a temporary hold until you can get to a dentist. It can also help as a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity when you’re on the road. Remember that not all areas where you travel will have water that is ideal for brushing your teeth. If you aren’t sure, pour bottled water onto your toothbrush instead. You do not want to have your vacation ruined by an illness as a result of ingesting contaminated local water. After your vacation, get right back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Spend some extra time brushing and flossing to make up for any lapses during your trip. Get back to healthy eating habits. There is no problem with indulging on vacation if you can get back to your normal habits when you get home. Looking for a Nashua, NH dentist ? Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, click here .

Habits That Could Prevent Cavities in Children

By Gerald M • June 15, 2019
We all know how expensive raising a family can be in today’s world. When you start adding dental bills into the mix, the costs can really start to get out of hand. Unfortunately for most parents, it is a do as I say world, but that is not how children work. They are like sponges and watch every move we make. More importantly to realize is the fact because parents are literally their world, they try to emulate everything mom and dad do as well. Keep that in mind when it comes to your oral health regimen because you need to set the example for your children and show them how to properly care for their teeth the moment they understand tasks like brushing and rinsing. Here are some tips to help ensure you keep your child’s dental health in check and maybe yours as well: Don’t Miss Dental Appointments – this is literally the most basic of oral hygiene regimens. You simply cannot afford to miss a dental appointment because what often happens is you start to become afraid to go for fear of what you may find out. Keep the appointment, period. Sweets Between Meals – ideally, you avoid sweets. But, let’s face facts, we like them just as much as our children do. When picking snacks for the children, try to pick snacks that are healthy and hand them a bottle of water with the snack. Instead of candy, try some frozen grapes or blueberries. Make a game of swishing water around in the mouth after they are done eating to reduce the residue on their teeth. That will suffice until you can get them home to brush. Drinks Before and After Bed – if you are like me, you tend to take a drink to bed with you. For many parents, this often means some type of fruit juice in a sippy cup for the children, which is a big mistake. All the sugar in the drink will be sitting in their mouth all night long eroding away at the tooth enamel. The nighttime drink should be water, period. Brushing Before Bed – getting kids to brush their teeth before bed can be a nightmare, but it is a must to ensure good oral health. Today, there are numerous children-themed toothpastes as well as cool toothbrushes that can be used to make it fun. Put an egg timer on the sink and if they brush for the entire two minutes, give them a reward. You have to make them want to brush their teeth because this is a habit that will last them a lifetime. Do you need to make a dental appointment for your children? If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, please click here .

Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Dental Visits?

By Gerald M • June 8, 2019
If you make regular dental visits, you may sometimes notice your teeth are a bit more sensitive after getting treatment. These sensations usually fade over time, however, there are times when that sensitivity continues without abating. Today, we are going to look at how and why this happens as well as what you can do to address it. Deep Cleaning Will Impact Sensitivity For most people, the bi-annual visit to the dentist means the removal of bacteria under the guns and tartar that has calcified on and between the teeth. The dentist or oral hygienist will use a regular pick as well as a small water pressure tool to remove this. For more severe cases, a root planing is done, usually in quadrants (generally, you are also given a local to numb the area being cleaned). When this is done, is it not uncommon to experience sore gums, bleeding gums, and extra-sensitive teeth, especially after a planing is conducted. One of the reasons the teeth will often feel a bit more sensitive is because the plaque has been removed from the surface. These parts of the tooth are once again exposed to the elements. In a normal situation, the extra sensitivity should start to subside in a day or so, and everything should be normal within a few days, a week at the longest. As you brush your teeth, carefully, throughout the week, this will actually help the situation along. In the meantime, avoid eating excessively cold or hot food. When possible, use a straw to drink your liquids to avoid direct contact with the teeth. If the problem persists, however, you should contact your dentist to alert him or her of the situation. Taking Care of Teeth After a Deep Cleaning It is important to understand that even though you may be experiencing some extra sensitivity from your teeth and gums, you still need to maintain a regular oral health regimen, however, there will be some moderate changes in the usual activity. For instance, you should avoid flossing for a day or so to allow the gums to recover. If, however, you have a water flosser, you can reduce the setting and use it to massage the gums and remove loose particles from between the teeth. When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a tooth brush with soft bristles so as not to aggravate the situation further. As mentioned above, avoid liquids of extreme temperature and use a straw to drink when possible. Are you in need of a dental cleaning? If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is accepting new patients. To learn more about our service or to schedule an appointment, please click here .

What Can You Eat After a Tooth Extraction?

By Gerald M • May 23, 2019
Although it is an outpatient procedure, tooth extraction for both adults and children is a major medical procedure that will require at least one day of recovery. In some cases, it takes several days if several teeth were extracted or if it was difficult to remove them. Dentists recommend having this type of procedure during vacation periods when patients are already at ease and have the time available to heal. Following the extraction, it is necessary to eat a diet of soft foods that will not irritate the area during recovery. Ice Cream If a patient does not have sensitive teeth, ice cream is one of the first things that they should reach for following a tooth extraction. Even the sorest mouths can generally handle ice cream because it is both soft in texture and cool in temperature. In fact, it is so cold that it can often effectively reduce swelling of the gums as a result of the procedure. Soft serve ice cream is the best option but remember that this is not the time for candy toppings or sprinkles that can get into the healing gums and cause complications. It is also important to remember to rinse your mouth out after eating to avoid any sugar buildup. Cool Soup Another meal option following a tooth extraction is soup, served either cool or lukewarm. At certain times of the year, especially summer, smooth gazpacho may be an even better option than a cool broth. Not only is soup easy to ingest following oral surgery, but it is often packed with nutrients and protein that can aid in the healing process. Make sure you choose a soup that is as smooth as can be to avoid any discomfort. Small noodles or pieces of vegetable are fine but you should avoid any ingredients that would require you to chew while your mouth is healing. Scrambled Eggs Scrambled eggs are a great option after oral surgery because they are nutrient-rich but also soft and require very little chewing. Just make sure that they have adequately cooled before you eat them. Smoothies A fruit smoothie is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of nutrients following a tooth extraction. Blend your fruits with yogurt to enhance your smoothie with calcium, probiotics, and protein. Using a dairy base for your smoothie also reduces the acidity from the fruit, making it less likely to irritate your gums as they heal. If you are in need of dental care and looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , consider using Krothapalli Family Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to hear from you. For more information about our services, please click here .

What to Expect After Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease

By Gerald M • May 2, 2019
After recognizing the four stages of gum disease, you must take immediate steps to control your condition before it gets any worse. Gum disease that is left unattended for too long could result in the need for painful surgery or even in the loss of your teeth. Unfortunately, many people wait after recognizing the 4 stages of gum disease because they are nervous about what comes next. Knowing what to expect makes it much easier to move forward and improve your dental health. Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease There are four stages of gum disease, each with increasingly serious consequences for your overall oral health. For the best chance of recovery, it is vital that you notice the early signs of trouble with your gums. For example, if you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing the early signs of gum disease. Bad breath, shrinking gums, and sensitive teeth are also common signs of gum disease that often go overlooked by the folks suffering from them. A Deep Cleaning One of the first steps that your dentist will take the correct your gum disease is a deep cleaning. This is a much more in-depth process than the cleaning you would have at a normal checkup and may require more than one visit to complete. The cleaning will include work below your gum line in order to make sure that all of the bacteria is removed from the area. Your dentist may also complete a process called scaling, which involves scraping plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Additional Treatment In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help control the infection in your gums before it begins to spread. This may be an oral antibiotic that you take over a period of weeks or, in some cases, an antibiotic gel that you apply directly to the infected area. Whatever the case may be, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions and complete the prescription, even if you think that your symptoms have stopped. If you think spot any of the four stages of gum disease, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent much more serious issues as your disease progresses through the stages. Although it can be scary, remember that the longer you wait, the more serious the procedures will be to correct the damage done. If you are in need of a dentist and looking for a Nashua, NH dentists accepting new patients, Krothapalli Family Dental can help. For more information about our services and location, click here .