Essential Oral Care Habits for Busy College Students 

With everything going on in college, especially in a busy place like Indianapolis, keeping your teeth and smile healthy might seem like an impossible task. When you have classes, homework, and all the fun things that Indianapolis has to offer, it is easy to let mouth health fall off your list of things to do. 

But ignoring your oral health can lead to big problems, from bad breath and cavities to gum disease and even health issues that affect your whole body.

There are a lot of dental services indianapolis in that are designed to meet the needs of busy college students. You do not have to spend hours in the bathroom every day to keep your smile healthy. 

Incorporating a few easy but effective dental care habits into your daily life will help your teeth stay healthy and white while you are in college. 

Brushing your teeth is the most basic step. 

Brushing your teeth is the most important thing you can do to keep your mouth healthy. Plaque is a film that forms on your teeth when sugary or starchy foods mix with germs in your mouth. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time helps get rid of it. 

Plaque can hurt your gums and cause gingivitis, which is the first sign of gum disease. If you do not treat gingivitis, it can get worse and turn into periodontitis, which is a much worse gum infection that may damage the bone that holds your teeth in place.

To get the most out of your brushing, remember this: 

  • Fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles are good for you.
  • Brush the front, back, and top of your teeth, as well as the sides. Do not forget to gently brush your tongue to get rid of germs that can cause bad breath.
  • When you brush, move your brush in a gentle circle. If you brush too hard, it could harm your gums. 

Flossing every day is just as important. 

Even though brushing is important, it can not get into every space between your teeth. That is why you should floss. 

When you floss once a day, you get rid of plaque and food bits that get stuck in these small areas. This keeps cavities and gum disease from occurring.

Here is a quick guide on how to floss properly:

  • Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers.
  • Slide the floss slowly between two teeth and make a C-shape with it around one tooth.
  • To get rid of grit and food, slowly move the floss up and down.
  • Do this for every gap between your teeth. 

Your diet plays a very important role. 

When it comes to your teeth, what you eat and drink is very important. Acidic foods and drinks can make your mouth more acidic, which can wear away tooth enamel and make you more likely to get cavities.

Here is what you should eat to keep your smile healthy:

  • Drink less soda, juice, and sports drinks, which are high in sugar.
  • If you do drink something sugary, wash your mouth out with water.
  • Choose water as your main drink.
  • Instead of sweet treats, eat healthy snacks like yogurt, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.
  • After eating a sweet snack, brush your teeth right away.

If you take these easy steps to take care of your teeth and gums, you can keep your smile healthy and avoid cavities, gum disease, and other problems with your mouth while you are in college. Remember that having a good smile is important for your health as well as how you look. 

Visit your dentist regularly. 

For a healthy, confident smile, it is important to see the dentist regularly. You should see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. If you find and treat tooth problems early on, they will be easier to deal with and cost less in the long run.