Fall is back-to-school season for many students from first grade to university, and this time of year comes with many challenges as far as dental health. Whether your new student eats cafeteria meals or you’re a student yourself and struggle to find the time to brush your teeth, the school year can lead to problems with your oral health. These back to school dental tips can help you stay healthy.
Set a specific time to brush your teeth.
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, for example, brushing your teeth as part of preparing to leave for school each day.
Don’t forget to floss your teeth.
Some people neglect to floss their teeth because they focus on brushing. Flossing can take practice, but it’s very important if you want to maintain your oral health. If you haven’t flossed much in the past, your gums may bleed a little when you start flossing regularly, but this should pass within a few days or weeks of regular flossing. You may want to hold off on flossing until you get home from school so you don’t have sore gums while you’re out and about.
Pack healthy foods and drinks.
Consider bringing a travel toothbrush to school if you will be gone all day and won’t have a chance to brush your teeth there. If this isn’t an option, at least make sure you pack healthy foods and drinks. Avoid packing sugary foods that can eat away at your teeth all day until you get a chance to go home and brush them! Bring a refillable water bottle to school and you’ll always have a healthy beverage option.
In all the chaos of the season, don’t forget to follow these back to school dental tips and make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning or checkup if you haven’t been in for a while. It’s important not to neglect your health while you’re maintaining a busy life.
