Are you getting ready to head off to college? This is a time of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. As you are packing your things and preparing, don’t forget to think about your oral health. You don’t want to run into tooth decay or other dental issues as you are adjusting to college life. Continue reading to learn about some of the important items you should pack in your dorm dental kit!
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
A toothbrush and toothpaste are the most important items to take with you. It is recommended by the American Dental Association that you brush your teeth twice a day. You should purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Remember to use circular motions and brush all surfaces of your teeth for at least two minutes.
Floss or a Water Flosser
In addition to brushing, it is also important that you are flossing every day. Your toothbrush can’t reach all of the areas of your mouth. This can leave up to 40% of your teeth’s surfaces uncleaned. Flossing is the best way to remove this food debris and plaque from hidden areas. Alternatively, you could use a water flosser to clean those hard-to-reach areas.
Sports Mouthguard
Are you planning on participating in sports in college? If you are partaking in a contact sport of any kind, you should invest in a customized mouthguard. You can get one of these from your dentist. You certainly don’t want to be dealing with a dental injury while you are trying to focus on your studies.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Despite your best efforts, if you do encounter a dental emergency or a toothache out of the blue, it is a good idea to be prepared with over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This can help to manage your pain until you can be seen by an emergency dentist.
Your Dental Office’s Phone Number
If you are going to college close to home, you should have your dentist’s phone number written down so you can call them if any issues come up. If the college you are attending is far away, you should find the number of a local dentist who you can see if you encounter a dental emergency. By knowing who to call and where to go, you can take some of the stress out of an uncomfortable situation.
This is an exciting time, and it pays to be prepared. By packing the items into your dorm dental kit, you can set your smile up for success.
About the Practice
At Esplanade Dental Care, Dr. Albert, Dr. Snow, and Dr. Feller work together to treat patients in the Downers Grove community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (630) 493-0914.