While summer is a fun time to relax, getting back to school is also exciting for students of all ages. New classes, old and new friends, and different opportunities abound, assuring lots of smiling along the way. You’ll want, then, to ensure your smile is ready to share confidently and often by preparing ahead of time.
There are several related things you can do, including the following five actions to take to get that smile, and your oral health, in shape as you head back to school.
1. Establish an At-Home Dental Hygiene Routine
With so much constantly going on, you’ll need to establish an at-home dental hygiene routine to ensure you take care of that smile all year long. Adjust to the timing you’ll be under once classes start. Then, start the routine early, weeks before the first day of school, so it becomes a habit you won’t want to miss.
If you like checklists, think of it as part of your list. Maybe you will brush your teeth after eating breakfast or getting dressed for the day. At night, changing into pajamas may be your signal to brush and floss. Make your routine your own. That way, you’ll be more likely to follow it.
Buy yourself new soft-bristled toothbrushes and floss dispensers. Find the toothpaste and mouthwash you like, and keep supplies on hand at all times.
2. Schedule a Dental Appointment
The first step to brightening up your smile is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. You may be due for a biannual exam and cleaning or want to focus on how to improve your smile.
During this appointment, your dentist will make sure you have no dental issues that need addressing, such as cavities and loose fillings or beginning gum disease. You can also discuss ways to whiten, align, replace, or even-out your teeth, so you have a smile you feel confident sharing.
Be sure to schedule the next six-month appointment so you won’t forget in all the hub-bub of a new school year.
3. Select Dental Treatments to Improve the Appearance of Your Smile
If you’re feeling less than confident about your smile, talk to your dentist about options to improve the appearance of your teeth. Whatever your budget, there are options available.
If you have staining or yellowing of teeth, you may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening treatments. For those with gaps between teeth, crooked or misshapen teeth, or chips or cracks, options may include veneers, bondings, or crowns. If you have silver amalgam or stained fillings that show, ask for tooth-colored ones to even out your smile.
For misaligned and crooked teeth, traditional braces may be too much to take on. Fortunately, teenagers and adults have another option known as clear aligners. ClearCorrect is a durable clear aligner that is less noticeable, removable when you eat, and can correct your bite.
4. Plan for Healthy Lunches and Snacks
The food you consume can have a significant impact on your smile. Your teeth and gums benefit from healthy meals and snacks and, in turn, keep you smiling your best smile.
Before school begins, make a list of the healthy lunches and snacks you want to include. Consider adding fruits, vegetables, nuts, hummus, low-fat cheese, yogurt, granola, apple sauce (unsweetened), and other favorites.
Buy yourself a new refillable water bottle to carry to school with you and set a goal for how much to drink each day. Drinking water throughout the day can not only keep you hydrated but also rinse away left behind food particles from your lunches and snacks.
5. Prevent Dental Emergencies by Wearing a Mouthguard
Don’t wait until a dental emergency occurs but instead, do your best to prevent them. In particular, visit your dentist for a protective mouthguard if you or your child participates in contact sports or other activities where damage to your oral health can occur.
This is a must, especially if you’re participating in any sports before the school year officially begins. You don’t want to show up on that first day with a broken or missing tooth.
Your smile says a lot, and when you’re confident in it as you head back-to-school, you’ll happily share it more often. Simply smiling can cause you to feel happier and keep you in a positive mindset as you tackle all your studies and crazy busy schedules ahead.
Contact Linworth Family Dental to Ensure Your Smile is Ready
Your smile relies on you having healthy teeth and gums first, then may require a little help to boost its appearance. Our team here at Linworth Family Dental knows that back-to-school is a busy time for everyone and looks forward to helping you ensure your oral health and smile are ready to jump right in without worry. Contact our office in Columbus, Ohio today to schedule your appointment.