Summer vacation is coming to an end, and soon the school year will start up again! It’s easy to forget the basics when you’re overwhelmed with the back-to-school season, but it’s important to maintain your oral health. Protecting your smile can help get your semester off to a good start! Showing off your pearly whites is the key to making a good impression on your teachers and classmates. Here are 4 habits to ace your next dental exam!
#1. Reestablish Your Oral Hygiene Routine
When you’re relaxing on beaches or enjoying your favorite foods, your oral hygiene routine is probably the last thing on your mind. Everyone has their slip-ups – maybe you were out on a trip and forgot to pack floss, or maybe after a night out with friends you could barely manage to brush for a full two minutes. The important thing is that once your life begins to settle back into its usual pace, you should return to brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least twice a day. The last thing you want to worry about during the school year is a cavity or toothache!
#2. Pack Smile-Friendly Lunches
For lunch, pack foods that are good for your oral health, especially if you can’t brush and floss after eating. Dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are your best options! Try to enjoy sweets in moderation.
Drinking lots of water throughout the day can help both your oral and overall health. It can wash away leftover food particles and enzymes and keep you hydrated.
#3. Ask Your Dentist for Their Recommendations
Remember, your dental team is there to help you with more than just your six-month checkup. If you have any questions about which oral hygiene products you should be using (or how you should be using them), don’t hesitate to ask! That way, your dental exam will be the first of many you’ll pass during the school year.
#4. Bring What You Need
When you’re away from home, you might not have all the necessary products to complete your oral hygiene routine. However, you can still go to school prepared! Here are some extra items you can pack in a toiletry bag or your backpack to bring to school:
- Water bottle
- Sugar-free gum
- Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
- Floss picks
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of McKinney, Dr. Sage Yoo and Dr. Justin Chan are committed to providing quality preventive dentistry to catch problems from the start. We understand that your schedule is getting busier with the school year starting and are eager to work with you to find time for your regular checkups and cleanings. If you’re interested in maintaining your oral health this school year, contact the Sprout Dentistry for Kids of McKinney team at their website or by phone at (469) 813-7127.