25 Aug Back To School

Well … It is that time of year: Back-to-School!

Many students from Kindergarten to University are getting excited for a fresh new start; and this time of year comes with many challenges as far as dental health. These back to school dental tips can help you stay healthy.

Set a specific time to brush your teeth.

Routine is a great thing to get into! If you have a fixed schedule like most students, you should know ahead of time when you will and won’t be home. Figure out exactly when you plan to brush your teeth each day. Even if you can only do it at lunchtime and before you go to bed, that’s much better than not brushing at all. Incorporate brushing habits into your routine by, brushing your teeth as part of preparing to leave for school each day, or multitasking and brushing while in the shower!

Don’t forget to floss!

Some neglect to floss their teeth because they focus on brushing. Yes, flossing takes time and it certainly can take some practice, but it’s very important if you want to maintain optimal oral health. If you haven’t flossed much in the past or don’t floss at all, your gums may bleed a little when you start flossing regularly; this should pass within a few days or weeks of regular flossing. Set aside some time to incorporate flossing into your nightly routine … keep some floss in the living room and floss while watching tv!

Make healthy food choices.

What you eat and how often you eat are important factors. Changes in your mouth start the minute you eat as bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and it is the acids that begin to attack and start the decay process. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay…. I know right!!! Make sure you pack healthy foods and drinks ( Nuts, meat, cheese, crunchy vegetables/fruits, water) and avoid packing sticky foods full of sugar can eat away at your teeth all day. Bring a refillable water bottle to school and you’ll always have a healthy drink!

Make an appointment for a dental cleaning and examination if you haven’t been in for a while. It’s important not to neglect your health while maintaining a busy life.