How to Ace Your Back-To-School Dental Exam

Summer vacation is wrapping up, and the weather is starting to cool off. That means it’s time for the “back-to-school” season! You’ll need to shop for supplies, learn a new curriculum, and make room in your schedule for homework. However, don’t forget your oral care amidst this hustle and bustle. Having a dental checkup before your classes begin would be a good idea. Luckily, your Dallas dentist is here to ensure you pass it with excellence! Here are four tips you should follow to ace your back-to-school dental exam.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to keep your smile healthy for your next visit is to practice good oral hygiene. Namely, brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with a good mouthwash. For this process, make sure to use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush as well.

If you struggle with your dental care habits, there are things you can do to help. Set daily reminders to brush and floss on your phone. Alternatively, see if your parent(s) will reward you for teeth-cleaning as an incentive.

Watch What You Eat & Drink

You likely already know that fatty and sugary stuff isn’t good for teeth. They can cause tooth decay, cavities, and even infections in excess. Whether it’s cake and ice cream or juice boxes and soda, they’ll erode your enamel and thus make it vulnerable to bacteria.

Given these facts, try to eat meals high in mouth-healthy vitamins and minerals. Foods like fish, dairy, and leafy greens would be ideal. Similarly, tap water or tea are good beverage choices — they have fluoride that strengthens teeth! To help you remember the latter, carry a refillable water bottle to school with you.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum After Meals

Afternoon school lunches don’t often allow you to brush your teeth after eating. That said, consider chewing sugar-free gum as a substitute.

As it turns out, chewing gum stimulates your body to produce saliva. This mouth liquid then washes away leftover food and bacteria and re-mineralizes tooth enamel.

If you do have time for afternoon brushing, though, wait at least thirty minutes after eating.

You’ll obviously want to be ready for schoolwork this fall. Even so, don’t forget your upcoming dental exam and how you can make it successful!

About the Practice

Ross Avenue Family Dental is based in Dallas, TX, and is led by Dr. Xinxing Liu. The practice’s mission is to provide all dental patients with both excellent care and a relaxing experience. To that end, it offers services like preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental treatments. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (469)-210-7223.