Priory Dental Care
Students beware – University can be bad for your teeth!
University is a time for independence and becoming an adult, but one thing that often falls by the wayside is dental health. Whether it’s the over consumption of sugary foods, energy drinks and alcohol, or a demanding social life, it’s no surprise that students often experience a noticeable decline in their oral health.
There are several ways to keep your teeth healthy if you’re now heading off to university. Here are some of our top tips: –
* Avoid snacking on sugary foods. Instead try apples, carrots, celery sticks or hard cheeses
* Try to avoid late night snacking, especially if you’re prone to falling asleep before brushing your teeth
* Don’t brush your teeth straight after having fizzy drinks or fruit juices, as the acid they contain will soften your enamel. Wait at least 1-2 hours before brushing to give the enamel time to re-harden again
* Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you exercise or consume a lot of caffeinated drinks
* Help protect your tooth enamel by diluting fruit juices 50/50 with water to decrease the acidity level… it also makes your juice go further and saves you some pennies!
* If you vomit, don’t brush your teeth straight away as, just like fizzy drinks and fruit juices, the stomach acid in your vomit can soften your enamel. Try rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash instead
* Don’t forget to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, and when you know you’re going to be home for the holidays, make sure you book your routine dental check-ups
The Priory Dental Care team wishes all our young patients heading off to university the very best of luck – Here’s to your success!