What to Include in Your Dorm Dental Kit

It’s about time to head back to campus this fall, and now is the perfect opportunity to start preparing to care for your oral health away from home. If you’ll be hitting the stores this month to stock up on supplies, don’t forget to include what you’ll need for your teeth. Here are some important ways that you can safeguard your smile out on your own!

Pack Your Bags

Creating a packing checklist? Don’t forget to add a few important oral health care items to your suitcase. Be sure to include:

• 4 toothbrushes (so you can replace yours every 3 months)
• Dental floss
• Toothpaste
• A water flosser
• Your mouthguard, retainer, or aligners if applicable
• Retainer soak if applicable

Do Some Research

If you are moving out of town for school, be sure to locate a dentist local to your new residence so you aren’t left scrambling to find one in an emergency. Be sure that your new dentist takes your dental insurance, is convenient to campus if you don’t have transportation, and that you feel safe and comfortable going there.

Don’t Make Excuses

College sometimes means late night study sessions, early classes, and lazy weekends. But don’t use that as an excuse to skip out on your oral health. Be sure you are still brushing your teeth twice a day every day and flossing at least once a day. Furthermore, be sure to visit your regular dentist when you return home for breaks or visit your new one if it’s more convenient.

Watch What You Eat & Drink

Many young adults go a little wild with their dietary choices when they go away to college. Pizza for breakfast? Why not! Cereal for dinner? Absolutely. But don’t forget about your teeth. Do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that’s low in sugar and carbohydrates so you don’t increase your risk of developing cavities.

Also, be cautious about those energy drinks. While they may help give you a boost of caffeine to help with those late-night study sessions, they are terrible for your teeth, and that goes double for alcoholic beverages.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Your teeth are designed for one thing, and one thing only: to chew food. They’re not meant to tear open care packages, bite your nails, chew your pen caps, or do anything else “off brand.” Thus, be sure to only use them for what they’re made for and invest in a pair of scissors or a safety cutter for opening your mail!

Remember, college should be a fun experience, where you learn and grow and make lasting bonds. But don’t forget to take care of your oral health. Before you head out the door this fall, be sure you’re prepared to keep your smile bright and healthy so you can use your energy to focus on the future!

About Dr. Morton

Dr. Roger Morton enjoys helping patients improve their oral health and solve complex dental problems that might otherwise keep them from living their best life. He and his team are proud to provide a variety of services, from general exams to cosmetic dentistry to dental implants.

To schedule an appointment at Wylie Family Dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 972-442-5599.