5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Smile During Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school season is a busy time for both parents and children, and it’s easy to let oral health fall by the wayside during all the hustle and bustle. As schedules get busier, maintaining a consistent smile care routine can get trickier, and some of the bad habits you might have formed during the summer – such as indulging in sugary foods – might start to come back to haunt you. Luckily, your dentist in Hampton has 5 tips for maintaining good oral care while preparing for the new school year.

1. Set Up Reminders to Stick to Your Dental Routine

It’s easy to say you’re going to commit to brushing and flossing twice a day, but there’s a good chance you might forget when your schedule is becoming increasingly hectic. To ensure that you remember to take care of your teeth, try setting a reminder on your phone or your computer. This will help you get used to your new routine so that eventually becomes second nature.

2. Move Away from Summer Snacks

Summer is a time when people of all ages tend to indulge in ice cream and other sugary treats. Eating too much sugar regularly always spells trouble for your grin, so in the spirit of back-to-school, start moving away from summer snacks and choose more smile-friendly options. Good examples include crunchy fruits and vegetables that clean your teeth while you’re chewing them.

3. Start Carrying Sugar-Free Gum

 To keep your smile clean throughout the day, it’s a good idea to chew sugar-free gum, especially after meals. The gum encourages your mouth to produce more saliva that helps get rid of leftover food particles and any byproducts that could put the teeth at risk. That way, these harmful substances aren’t stuck on your grin until you have a chance to brush them.

4. Give Yourself a Reward

It’s much easier to focus on good oral care when you have something tangible to look forward to. Think of something you would like for yourself and set it as your “prize” if you’re able to get through the back-to-school season while maintaining good oral care.

5. Set Up an Appointment with Your Dentist

It’ll be harder to find time for the dentist once everyone’s back in school, so set up your next dental exam now while there’s still plenty of room in your schedule. This is especially important if it’s been over six months since your last appointment; the sooner you see the dentist, the sooner you can have any dental issues taken care of.

By being proactive about taking care of your smile, you can maintain excellent oral health while making sure your entire family is ready for the new school year. If you’re not confident about your current oral care routine, let your dentist know; they may have some additional tips to offer.

About the Author

Dr. Neelima Ravi has nearly two full decades of clinical experience and goes out of her way to keep up with the latest dental advancements through continuing education. In June of 2021, she earned a Fellowship award with the Academy of General Dentistry, something that only 6 percent of dentists in the US and Canada have achieved. To schedule an appointment with her at Oceanside Family Dental in Hampton before school starts, visit her website or call (603) 926-1551.