We get it, your semester is crazy right now. You look down at your schedule and all you see is a nesting-doll of exams, study groups, and parties. It’s easy to let little things slide, like brushing your teeth. Some nights, you’d rather just go to sleep sooner than clean your teeth. However, keeping your teeth healthy is one of the simplest ways you can take care of yourself, as well as save you more stress during this time of year. The last thing you need is a dental problem, so your dentist in State College, Dr. Chris Devlin, is going to give you 4 easy tips to take care of your teeth so you have one less thing to think about these hectic days.
1. Brush Your Teeth…Correctly!
At this point, you probably feel like you’ve been brushing your teeth your entire life. A quick chat with your parents will change that perception, as they can tell stories about chasing you around with a toothbrush. Despite your current familiarity, even most adults do not brush their teeth correctly. They typically miss one of the following things:
- Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Don’t brush more than 3 times a day as it can actually break down your teeth
- Brush for at least 2 minutes each time
- Brush the front, back, and sides of every tooth
- Use a gentle circling motion
- Brush your tongue for fresh breath
Most of the time, people brush without even thinking about it. This is why they usually do not brush long enough or can miss large areas. If you are using a manual toothbrush, be sure to set some type of timer so you don’t have to think about it. Be sure to brush every tooth, especially the back teeth, as these are frequently missed. A gentle circling motion with the brush is much better at breaking up plaque than simply going back and forth. You can also cut down on the gum and breath-mints by simply brushing your tongue. Often your breath is dictated by the food that is left on it.
2. Remember to Floss!
Yes, you need to floss every time you brush. Whenever you “forget” to floss, you are leaving nearly 40% of your teeth’s surfaces uncleaned, which can make you vulnerable to tooth decay. Flossing is able to reach areas that your brush simply can’t. It doesn’t matter which order that you do them in, just as long as you always do both. Be sure to use 12-18 inches of floss every time, and floss between every tooth, even behind the back teeth.
3. Limit Sugary Foods!
The plaque that can decay your teeth comes from naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feeding on leftover sugar. Drinks such as sodas, juices, energy drinks, and cocktails are high in sugar and can facilitate the buildup of plaque. You don’t need to give them up completely, but drinking a little more water can do a lot to help preserve your teeth. Also try your hardest not to visit the Creamery every day.
4. Come See Us!
No dental hygiene regimen would be complete without regular check-ups and cleanings from your State College dentist. A professional cleaning is able to reach areas you simply can’t with your home routine. These visits also enable Dr. Devlin to examine your teeth and catch any potential dental issues early before they can cause you any real trouble.
Want to Know More?
Imagine having to cram for a test while your tooth is throbbing? Not the nicest scenario, is it? By being mindful and brushing your teeth every day, you’re taking a little step towards making your life easier. While your time might be precious now, the hour or so it takes to get a check-up and cleaning now could save you the hours needed to fix a problem later.
If you’d like to know more tips on how to keep your teeth healthy while being busy, send us an e-mail today.