Ace Your Next Dental Exam with 3 Back-to-School Tips

Between science, math, English, and history classes, you’ll be studying quite a bit once the new school year starts. However, it’s important that you don’t forget to prepare for another exam: your dental one! The good news is that it’s not too late to begin preparing for it. With this in mind, keep reading for 3 tips to protect and preserve your pearly whites as well as ace your next dental exam.

Tip #1: Get back into your oral hygiene routine.

Summer vacation is a time of relaxation and indulgence. It’s not hard to take the break a little too far and slip up on your regular dental habits. Maybe you went on trips and forgot to bring your floss or ate a little too much ice cream to cool off from the summer sun. While that’s not ideal, it’s still manageable! What’s important is that your oral hygiene routine returns to normal now that you’ll be back on a regular schedule!

Brushing and flossing twice a day and using mouthwash daily will get you an A+ in cavity prevention on your dental exam.

Tip #2: Bring a portable oral hygiene pouch to school.

It’s always best to be prepared! So, packing a portable pouch of dental hygiene products to keep in your backpack is a great practice. There doesn’t have to be too much in there, but taking extra measures to protect your oral health can greatly benefit your smile. By using it after lunch or having it on hand if you had to rush your morning routine, you’re setting up your smile for success.

Some examples of what you can put in your portable oral hygiene kit are:

• Travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
• Floss or floss picks
• Sugar-free gum or mints

Keeping this pouch alongside a bottle of water can make dental hygiene hassle-free and convenient.

Tip #3: Pack smile-friendly lunches.

Packing foods that help rather than harm your smile goes a long way. First, stay away from foods that are too hard or chewy like peanut brittle and pretzels. Second, choose nutrient-rich options to clean and strengthen your teeth! A balanced diet can benefit both your oral and overall health.

Try adding dairy products and fibrous fruits and veggies. If you want bread, opt for whole grain. There are plenty of options that suit your preferences but can also help maintain your oral health.

With these tips, your dental exam will be the first of many tests you’ll ace this school year.

About the Practice

At Orange Place Family Dentistry, Dr. Jed M. Koops and Dr. Thanh Mollica prevent common oral health problems at their earliest stages before they harm your smile. The practice employs advanced dental technology to ensure your smile stays strong and healthy. From standard checkups to fluoride treatments, Drs. Koop and Mollica are dedicated to providing the quality dental care you deserve. If you want more tips on how to protect your pearly whites this school year, contact Orange Place Family Dentistry at their website or by phone at (216) 464-2448.