4 Back-to-School Tips to Help You Ace Your Next Dental Exam

Are you busy preparing for the new semester? Do you also have a dental exam coming up on the calendar? Now that back-to-school season is here, your schedule might be packed with to-dos like buying the necessary books and supplies for class. It can also be difficult to prepare for an appointment with your dentist amid all the commotion. Fortunately, there are several simple measures you can take to pass your dental exam with no problems. Read on to find out what they are!

Tip #1: Brush Your Teeth Before Bedtime

Whether you had multiple classes during the day or had a lengthy study session, it can be tempting to simply go to bed and fall right to sleep. However, without cleaning your teeth beforehand, you might allow all the food particles, debris, and plaque to settle overnight. This can increase your risk of oral health issues like cavities, decay, or even infection. To avoid any complications, simply brush and floss your smile first thing before bedtime.

Tip #2: Stock Your Fridge with Healthy Snacks

If you tend to stay up late to study for exams, then you might find yourself reaching into your fridge or pantry for midnight snacks. While this can provide your body fuel for long hours, you may munch on sugary or starchy treats like chips, pretzels, and other junk food. Not only can this raise your chances of developing a cavity, but one wrong bite can also cost you a chipped tooth! Instead, try to pack plenty of healthier options like fresh fruits, hard-boiled eggs, and cooked veggies to keep your smile safe.

Tip #3: Avoid Stress-Related Oral Habits

Do you tend to bite your fingernails when you’re nervous or stressed? Do you often chew on your pen or pencil while completing an assignment or taking a test? Many oral habits like these can be detrimental to your teeth and gums by wearing down your enamel or irritating your soft tissues. To avoid any future damages or issues, take the time to practice deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, or simply taking breaks occasionally to put your mind at ease.

Tip #4: Chew on Sugar-Free Gum

You might sometimes feel you don’t have enough minutes in the day to maintain your teeth while you’re busy with school. If so, then you might consider chewing sugar-free gum! This will keep your breath minty fresh as well as collect debris and food particles from accumulating around your smile. Chewing sugar-free gum can also increase saliva production, which is crucial for naturally washing away harmful bacteria from your mouth. Once you have some free time, you can switch to brushing and flossing like usual.

Though back-to-school season can be hectic, it doesn’t mean you have to take a step back from your oral hygiene. With these few tips, you’ll be able to ace your next dental exam!

About the Author

Dr. Reza Jafari has been providing outstanding and comprehensive care for well over a decade. He graduated from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and regularly pursues continuing education to expand his techniques. He offers a wide collection of advanced services, including dental checkups/cleanings, periodontal therapy, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 480-722-1200.