Now that school is back in session, it’s time to get back into a good routine. It’s always a good idea to get to bed early, have time scheduled for homework, and eat well-balanced meals to give you the energy to get through the day. Another thing that you should be implementing into your routine is an excellent oral hygiene regimen. Here are some back-to-school tips to keep your smile as healthy and happy as possible.
Keep Up Excellent Oral Hygiene
The best way to keep up a healthy smile is to stick to a good oral hygiene routine. Set reminders for your dental cleaning and checkups so you don’t forget, and get into the habit of brushing first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed. Flossing is also an important step to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Finish by rinsing with mouthwash for extra freshness.
Get a Pack of Sugar-Free Gum
Dentists don’t usually tell you to enjoy sweet treats, but sugar-free gum is actually good for your smile. Instead of enjoying other sweets, chew sugar-free gum. This will help to rinse away food debris by stimulating saliva production. Keep a pack in your backpack or car so it’s always available when you want a piece.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Some of the most common snacks out there are starchy and sugary. Instead of munching on potato chips or cracks between meals, consider a tooth-healthy option, like salted nuts. Other great options include baby carrots, apple slices, sting cheese, and yogurt. Instead of quenching your thirst with soda and sports drinks, stick to water or milk. If you are missing the crisp carbonation of soda, consider drinking sparkling water.
Get a Customized Mouthguard
Playing sports is a lot of fun and a great way to get your exercise you need to thrive. However, contact sports put your smile at risk. To keep your teeth from being damaged or knocked out, ask your dentist about getting a customized mouthguard. This way, you can have fun participating and potentially prevent a dental emergency.
Quick Bad Habits
We all have different responses to stress in our lives. However, if you respond by biting your nails or chewing on pens and pencils, your smile is at risk. You are introducing bacteria into your mouth, and you could end up with a chipped or cracked tooth. Try to swap this habit for a different one, like squeezing a stress ball.
It can be difficult to get into a good habit of caring for your smile – especially with such a busy schedule. By taking the steps listed above, you are likely to pass your next dental exam with flying colors!
About the Author
Dr. Gilberto López earned his dental doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Since then, he has remained committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Arkansas State Dental Association, and the River Valley Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (479) 434-4277.