There is a part of us that feels like we’re invincible and no matter what health symptoms arise, we could easily shake it off pretty quickly. But in the hustle and bustle of college life, it can be easy to neglect certain aspects of our health for the sake of the ongoing treadmill of college existence. Oral health is one area that we can all overlook to an extent because we all know how to brush our teeth, don’t we? But the big problem with oral health is that it creeps up on us pretty quickly, and no amount of flossing and brushing can undo certain oral health problems. So, if you haven’t been to the dentist in years, either because your teeth have been fine up to this point or there’s been some deep-rooted fear, let’s show you what you need to consider.
Why Checkups Are Essential
It’s easy to get caught up in the structure of college life and, indeed, life in general, without thinking that we need to book regular appointments. But the best way to tackle any health problem is through prevention. If you have been worried about going to the dentist the right dental team will always give you some peace of mind and can spot those issues that need seeing to before they get serious. This saves you a lot of time and pain, not to mention the cost of expensive treatments. Regular checkups prevent those common dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities, but they can also provide guidance, especially on something as simple as brushing your teeth. You may very well be brushing your teeth incorrectly, and it’s always about making sure that if you have the right form, then the health will follow.
What Should You Do if You Haven’t Visited the Dentist in Years?
If it’s been a long time since your last dental visit, there is no need to panic. You can always take a few simple steps to improve your oral health. The best place to begin is by finding a reputable dentist and asking for recommendations to locate someone who suits your specific needs. Once you’ve scheduled an appointment, you can benefit from a bit of preparation by compiling any concerns or questions you may have. You need to discuss your dental history with the dentist, and rather than thinking like you are a child that’s got in trouble for stealing from the cookie jar, it’s far better to come clean and mention any past issues you’ve been disguising because it gives them a comprehensive picture of the situation. It’s very likely they will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays and discuss your oral health habits. If they do detect any issues, they will prescribe a treatment plan, which may involve procedures, but it could very well just be a bit of guidance on how to look after your teeth better.
Providing that Foundation of Solid Oral Health
After establishing contact or connection with your dentist, it’s now time to put those preventative practices into place. We all know we can’t brush our teeth vigorously at the last minute before a dental appointment to make up for years of neglect, and this is why remembering some of the basics will be that reminder that we should do the most essential things:
- Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day to remove plaque and food particles.
- Using mouthwash to provide added protection.
- Drinking plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which can contribute to oral issues. It’s important to remember that if you’re taking medication that dries out your mouth or you don’t drink enough water, stimulating the natural lubrication of the mouth in this way will help to prevent a number of dental problems further down the line.
- A balanced diet without excessive sugary or acidic foods is also essential but may be tough to put into practice. You should also think about limiting alcohol and smoking.
Some of these things can seem so obvious, but if you’ve been experiencing problems with your oral health and have been avoiding going to the dentist for some time, you need to reassess if you are doing the basics correctly. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long, long time, it is never too late. Many people can feel like they can’t visit the dentist because of some deep-rooted fear. But as we get older and we start to experience a little bit of bad breath or a slight twinge or pain in one of our teeth, this is a surefire sign that it’s now time to take your oral health seriously.