Back-to-school season has started, and you probably have a million things on your mind right now. You’ve got to make sure you have the right clothes, bought all of your supplies, and finished your summer reading. In all the hustle and bustle, it can be too easy to accidentally neglect your oral health. You don’t want a cavity or broken tooth to keep this from being the best school year ever! Read on as a dentist in Garland, TX gives five tips for passing your next dental exam with flying colors!
1. Eat Healthy Snacks
It might be tempting to simply toss a handful of packaged, highly processed snacks in your bag to snack on throughout the day. However, these snacks are usually chock-full of sugar, which can wreak havoc on your pearly whites! Instead of cookies and crackers, consider bringing mouth-healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits, cheese, yogurt, and nuts.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is by far the healthiest drink for your overall health and your oral health. Staying hydrated with water helps your mouth produce more saliva, which rinses cavity-causing bacteria away from your teeth and gums. Bring a refillable water with you to school each day and sip from it regularly.
3. Stick to an Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing and flossing every day can go a long way in keeping your smile healthy. It might be difficult to remember as you’re adjusting to the schedule of a new school year, but try to establish and maintain an oral care routine. Setting reminders on your phone can help a lot. Eventually, flossing every night and brushing twice a day will become second nature.
4. Schedule a Dental Checkup
Even if your mouth feels perfectly fine right now, book your next dental visit as soon as you can. Often, oral health issues don’t cause any discomfort until they’re advanced to the point where they need expensive treatments. At your six-month checkups, your dentist can catch these problems in their early stages and address them before they cause pain (and strain your wallet!).
5. Consider Dental Sealants
One simple way to reduce your risk of cavities is to get dental sealants – thin, clear coatings over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They literally seal out harmful bacteria and food debris from these teeth. Some research suggests that sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the first two years after being applied! So, it’s a great idea to protect your smile with sealants before a busy semester starts.
As you’re getting ready for a new school year, don’t forget that you need to prepare for your dental exam too! With these tips, your dentist will be sure to give you an excellent grade.
About the Practice
At La Prada Family Dentistry, our dentists proudly offer a variety of services to patients of all ages in Garland, TX and the nearby area. We encourage patients to take a proactive approach to their smiles’ health, so we can provide sealants and many other preventive services. For extra convenience, we have evening and Saturday hours so that you don’t need to miss school! To schedule your visit, contact us by calling 214-473-5696.
