With back-to-school season here, your schedule will likely be busy with organizing your materials and buying supplies for your classes. However, one thing you shouldn’t hold off on during this time of the year is your oral health. Keeping your smile in pristine condition daily is highly important, especially if you have an upcoming dental checkup. But how can you effectively maintain your pearly whites amidst all the commotion? Read on to learn five simple ways that can help you ace your next dental exam!
Tip #1: Stick to a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the best ways to ensure your smile remains clean and healthy is to practice proper oral hygiene. Not only does brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily help prevent cavities and gum disease, but it can also minimize stress throughout the new school year. Be sure to clean your teeth every morning and evening, or after every meal if you have the time.
Tip #2: Drink Plenty of Water
Water is one of the most essential beverages for both your oral and overall health. On top of keeping you hydrated throughout the day, drinking it can help wash away the natural bacteria from your mouth. This means you can significantly reduce your chances of decay, cavities, and even infection by sipping plenty of water.
Tip #3: Keep a Well-Balanced Diet
Your nutrition plays a significant role in the health of your teeth. Most people know that sugary snacks can lead to cavities, but overindulging in starchy and acidic foods and drinks can be just as detrimental to your smile. Some meals may also be too hard or crunchy for your teeth, such as popcorn, which can wear down your enamel over time. Try sticking with smile-friendly options like cheese and yogurt to keep your teeth healthy and safe.
Tip #4: Visit Your Dentist Regularly
A good rule of thumb for preserving your pearly whites is to see your dentist twice a year (or more) for dental checkups and cleanings. Not only will they thoroughly polish your teeth at the end of your visit, but they’ll also monitor your oral health and address any developing issues they may detect. By treating dental concerns early on, you’ll save yourself time, money, and headaches from more serious complications that might have happened otherwise.
Tip #5: Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Do you often feel you don’t have time to clean your teeth in between classes? If you want a quick and simple way to remove debris and food particles from your smile, try chewing on sugar-free gum! This is only a temporary solution, but it can also help stimulate saliva production to wash bacteria from your mouth.
Practice these few tips before arriving at your next dental appointment. By sticking to this guideline, you can be sure to ace your examination with flying colors!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nicholas Slezak is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University and regularly seeks continuing education to refine his techniques. He offers a wide range of high-quality and advanced services, including dental checkups and cleanings. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 440-285-8211.