With the new school year here, it’s common for people to get lost in their busy schedules. While keeping up with your assignments and projects is important, you don’t want to forget about your pearly whites along the way. The last thing you’d want is to miss class because of a preventable dental issue. If you have an upcoming dentist appointment, here are several oral health tips to help you ace your exam with flying colors.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Keeping a daily routine for teeth cleaning is essential for maintaining your smile. Not only will you keep your oral health in shape, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a brighter grin that you don’t have to stress about. Your routine should consist of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth every day after waking up and before going to sleep. Try setting a reminder on your phone to help you stay on track.
Keep a Healthy Diet
Other than sticking with your oral hygiene habits, implementing a healthy diet is also crucial for your smile. Some treats can be too hard for your teeth and can risk chipping or damaging them. Overindulging in starchy or sugary meals can also increase your chance of developing plaque around your smile since they’re easy for bacteria to feed on. To avoid these risks, try packing your bag with tooth-friendly options like yogurt, cheese, and cashews.
Chew Sugarless Gum
Certain oral habits might seem harmless at first, but they can end up making your teeth vulnerable to future complications. That’s why you don’t want to chew on ice cubes or use tobacco, as you might harm your smile as well as your overall health. To stay away from needing costly treatments later on, try healthier habits like chewing sugar-free gum, especially after meals. Doing so can help stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles, debris, and bacteria.
Schedule Visits with Your Dentist
Even if you take care of your teeth at home every day, there’s only so much you can do on your own. With regular checkups and cleanings, your dentist can help clean areas of your smile that you might not be able to reach. They’ll also address developing issues they might detect before they worsen.
Try implementing these tips before your next biannual dental visit. By the time you see your dentist, you’ll already be on track to acing your exam!
About the Author
Dr. Michael McCleaster is proud to provide customized and reliable dental care for patients of all ages. He graduated from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey and is a proud member of several organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. If you’d like to know the best methods for preserving your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us at 973-598-0800.