Now that it’s time to head back to school, your schedule might get busier with buying supplies and preparing for your classes. This can make it difficult to juggle your normal oral care routine, especially if you have an appointment with your dentist coming up. You may be wondering if there are ways to ensure that you pass your dental exam. Keep reading to learn five simple tips to help you ace your next visit while getting ready for the new school year!
#1: Brush Your Teeth Before Bedtime
While it might be tempting to head straight for your bed after a long day, you should consider brushing your teeth beforehand. By spending at least two minutes thoroughly scrubbing your smile (as well as flossing), you’ll be able to remove the majority of debris and food particles that may have been collected throughout the day. This will help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup, which can cause issues like cavities and gum disease that your dentist will need to address as soon as possible.
#2: Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Late-night study sessions might be an occasional thing, and you’ll likely want to keep yourself fueled with energizing snacks. However, you’ll want to avoid overindulging in treats that are loaded with processed sugars, starches, and carbohydrates, which can increase your risk of cavities. Other meals may also be hard or crunchy enough to cause a chipped tooth, such as popcorn and pretzels. For this reason, it’s a good idea to stock up on healthier options like cooked veggies, fresh fruits, hard-boiled eggs, and other teeth-friendly foods.
#3: Pack a Mini Oral Hygiene Kit
Having a busy schedule that includes school, studying, and even a job, may make you feel like you won’t have enough time to care for your smile as frequently. Even if you aren’t always at home, you can still take a personal dental hygiene kit with you on the go! With a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss, you’ll be able to conveniently clean your smile wherever you are.
#4: Avoid Poor Oral Habits
Do you typically chew on the back of your pen or bite your nails when you’re nervous? Many of these types of oral habits can wear your enamel down, which can increase your chances of damaging your teeth or experiencing a dental emergency. To help relieve stress, take the time to meditate or focus on deep breathing, step outside for a quick break, or try squeezing a stress ball.
#5: Try Chewing on Sugar-Free Gum
If you ever feel like you don’t have the time to thoroughly clean your teeth, then you should consider chewing on sugar-free gum! Not only will this freshen your breath, but it can also help remove debris and small particles from between your teeth and gums. Chewing will encourage healthy saliva production, which is essential for naturally washing away bacteria from your mouth.
Although back-to-school season can sometimes feel chaotic, these few tips can help you put order back into your oral care routine. By the time you visit your dentist, you’ll have a greater chance of passing your dental exam with flying colors!
About the Author
Dr. Tuan Nguyen studied at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He regularly seeks advanced training to refine his expertise and is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. He offers multiple comprehensive services, including checkups/cleanings, gum disease therapy, and emergency dentistry. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 469-529-6016.