Scottsbluff Dentist Wants College Students to Know This

If you are fortunate, with the support of a Scottsbluff dentist, you’ll have our teeth for your whole life. That’s why it’s important to care for your teeth when you are young if you hope to enjoy them when you’re older. It’s a concept that is tough for many college students to grasp during a time when studying, working, and having fun seem to be the main priorities. However, you can keep your young teeth healthy by observing these common college oral health pitfalls:

Energy drinks are not tooth-friendly.

Whether it’s for a study session or a party, you’re destined to pull a few all-nighters during college. And while you might be in search of some caffeine and sugar to keep your engine running, remember that energy drinks can be brutal on your teeth! Energy drinks are twice harmful to your teeth as sports drinks due to added sugars and erosive acids. If you must partake in these beverages, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards, then brush and floss as soon as you are able.

Properly manage those late night snacks.

After enjoying the last bite of a late night snack, brushing and flossing are essential. Falling asleep with leftover food particles between your teeth provides fuel for the bacteria that are known to cause bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis. No matter how late snack time comes, remember to use a toothbrush and some floss to get rid of the evidence.

Remember to pair your red wine with cheese.

If you are invited to a wine and cheese party, munching on a few bites of hard cheese between glasses can help to prevent that notorious red wine stain. The tannins and chromogens in red wine are often responsible for staining the teeth, but the calcium in in hard cheeses like Cheddar and Havarti can provide a protective coating that is somewhat stain resistant.

It’s still important to schedule regular checkups with your Scottsbluff dentist.

To find out if college life is taking a toll on your teeth, call to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning today.