Are you hoping that your dentist won’t find any problems, like a cavity, during your upcoming appointment? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several habits you can adopt now that will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. So, keep reading to learn five back-to-school-specific tips for acing your next dental exam.
1. Pass on Sugary Treats
Your schedule prior to the official start of the school year may be packed with to-dos – from picking up your books to figuring out where your classes are. While you might be tempted to reach for something quick, like a candy bar or soda, it’s important that you don’t. After all, treats like these are packed with sugar, which is one of the leading causes of cavities.
2. Be Mindful of Timing
Brushing your teeth is certainly important. However, if you don’t dedicate a full two minutes to the task each time, then plaque, food particles, and other debris will get left behind. So, use the stopwatch on your phone to make sure you brush for the recommended amount of time, and make sure to do the same when rinsing with mouthwash!
3. Break Bad Habits
Over the summer, you may have adopted an unhealthy habit or two, like not flossing every night. That’s okay – mistakes happen. Fortunately, now is the perfect time to break bad habits like these. After all, once the school year starts, your schedule will get much busier. So, use the time you have now to your advantage!
4. Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water throughout the day won’t just keep you hydrated, it will also help prevent dry mouth and remove food particles from your teeth. That’s why students are encouraged to keep a reusable water bottle with them. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from nowadays, and you can personalize yours with stickers to make it your own!
5. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Whether you play a contact sport, like football, or you prefer a solo activity, like skateboarding, you need to wear a mouthguard to protect your smile from harm. It might not seem necessary, but all it takes is one bad fall to chip, crack, or knock out a tooth. So, make sure that you get one (and wear one) when you’re being active!
About the Practice
From kindergarten to senior year, our team at Cove Choice Dental is here to help patients maintain a healthy, happy smile. To make appointments easy, we offer after-school appointments, utilize cutting-edge dental technology, and provide same-day care in emergency situations. If you want to learn more about children’s dentistry, you can visit our website or call (254) 987-6777.