It’s time to go back to school. When you’re hard at work studying away, don’t forget to prepare for your dental exam! If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do before the semester starts, don’t worry. Taking care of your smile doesn’t have to be a struggle. To help you ease into the school year, here are 3 back-to-school tips to help you ace your next dental exam.
1: Reset your oral hygiene routine.
If you’ve been taking relaxation a bit too far this summer vacation, you might have slipped up a little when it comes to your oral hygiene routine. Maybe you had a little too many sweet treats or forgot to bring your floss when you went on a weekend trip. Don’t stress – you can still avoid cavities and other oral health issues by hitting reset and making sure to follow your routine from now on. Getting back into your healthy habits ensures you’re starting the school year off on the right foot.
Make sure you’re brushing and flossing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. If you’re refreshing your supply for the beginning of the semester, consider using fluoride toothpaste.
2: Pack or buy a smile-friendly lunch.
First and foremost, water is your best friend. Keeping a water bottle in your backpack or on hand at all times will ensure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day, which can greatly benefit your oral health.
When it comes to lunch, whether you buy it from the school cafeteria or bring it from home, the key is to stick to nutrient-rich foods that won’t damage your teeth.
Adding dairy, fibrous fruits and vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can help both your oral and overall health. There are plenty of smile-friendly options to choose from so your lunches stay fresh and delicious.
3: Make a school dental hygiene kit.
Stay prepared by bringing a small pouch of travel-sized oral hygiene products to school! You can just keep it in your backpack for easy access whenever you need it.
Here are some ideas for what to put in your school dental hygiene kit:
- Travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
- Floss
- Sugar-free gum or mints
Whether you’re at home or back at school, following preventive dentistry practices by maintaining good oral hygiene, eating smile-friendly lunches, and having everything you need on hand is sure to help you ace your next dental exam.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Tadros began Del Rey Dental in 2016 to provide high-quality, comprehensive dental services to the greater Dallas community. Del Rey Dental offers personalized preventive care for each and every patient no matter their age. To do so, Dr. Tadros uses the latest and greatest in dental technology and remains an active member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. If you want to squeeze in a dental checkup and cleaning before the school year, contact Dr. Tadros through his website or by phone at (469) 917-7444.