It’s that time of year again; as students head back to school, many of us are settling into a new routine and developing new habits. Our Elmhurst dentists encourage you to keep your oral health in mind as you go through this process. Try to…
Carry Water
One simple thing that you can do is to keep a water bottle with you during the day, so that you’re able to stay hydrated and healthy. Research has shown that chronic dry mouth increases rates of cavity development, periodontal disease, and chronic bad breath. When you have water with you, you won’t be dependent on nearby water fountains, and you won’t have to settle for hydrating with sugar-laden beverages.
Rinse Habitually
As you are getting used to your new routine this school year, try to build in a minute for you to rinse your mouth after snacks and meals. Doing so helps to clear away dental debris and plaque, and it supports saliva production and dental enamel re-mineralization. When you rinse your mouth regularly you make it more difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive.
Minimize Bad Habits
Our team also encourages you to stay alert for any bad habits that may be damaging your smile. If, for example, you find yourself chewing on the end of your pencil or pen as you concentrate, you may be damaging your dental enamel or gum tissue. Similarly, it’s common for people to clench their teeth or grind their jaws as they concentrate. Unfortunately, this can create TMJ dysfunction and thinning enamel.
As always, our Elmhurst dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information or support you may need to make the right decisions for your smile. The best way to get started is to contact our team to schedule a personal consultation. You can also use the Contact Us page on our site to reach out!