Whether “back to school” means getting your kiddo ready for the semester ahead or returning to your university’s campus, you should also start thinking about oral care. After all, they’re called “winning smiles” for a reason! Pristine pearly whites make for a good first impression, which is important for dazzling peers and potential employers alike. Plus, preventative dentistry can save you and your family from distracting dental disasters like tooth decay and gum disease. Keep reading to learn how to best stay ahead of the curve!
P.H.D.-Worthy Oral Hygiene
A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation for healthy and shiny teeth. You see, harmful bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and grow into those dental disasters mentioned earlier. They can also cause dental staining, which won’t help with the yellowing that unbrushed food particles will already be plotting!
Counteract these nefarious effects by getting into the habit of brushing twice daily and flossing once per day. It’ll be easier to start before homework and extracurriculars overwhelm your schedule.
Every Project Needs the Right Tools
The best part of back-to-school prep is arguably shopping for fun new notebooks, markers, planners, and lunchboxes. You can do the same for your teeth! Here are some ideas for making your oral hygiene project more exciting and efficient:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush featuring your child’s favorite cartoon character or your favorite bamboo finish can help with motivation.
- Some electric toothbrushes have swappable heads that are designed for specific teeth or appliances. You could basically have an all-in-one tool for your pearly whites.
- Water flossers are loved by those who cringe at the thought of classic threaded floss.
- Travel containers can be cute and will keep your new brush safe from bathroom bacteria.
There are plenty of useful and aesthetic accessories for orthodontics too, so no one in the squad will be left out during your shopping-spree.
Review Oral Appliance Basics
Before a big test, what do you do? Study and review! If your teen just started Invisalign or you’re about to show off your dental veneers, you should review their care instructions. In fact, you might want to save them on your phone or bring a paper copy with you. This’ll help make the first day of school less stressful and will ensure important cleanings aren’t forgotten and damaging snacks aren’t crunched.
Schedule a Preventative Care Appointment
Last but certainly not least, break out your new planner, call up your dentist, and get a preventative checkup and cleaning session on the books for the whole family.
At-home oral hygiene routines are crucial, but bacteria can harden into plaque and tartar that’s just as dangerous and more difficult to remove. Your dentist has the equipment and skills for dealing with these stubborn troublemakers and can check for early signs of burgeoning oral problems. Whether your teeth are healthy or need some attention, your dentist will help make sure your smile is ready for the school year!
About the Practice
Our team at Lake Boone Dentistry of Raleigh understands that every smile – and every patient – is unique. We provide personalized preventative dental care for patients of all ages and can offer at-home oral hygiene tips that address your needs and preferences. If you need some help getting your family’s teeth ready for the back-to-school season, contact our office at 919-781-8610.