The busy college student life can make it hard to fit in all the things we have on our seemingly endless to-do list! However, proper dental hygiene is one thing we shouldn’t go without – whether we’re at school, work, home, or on spring break vacation. In fact, spring break offers a fantastic opportunity to get into the dentist’s office to ensure your oral health is going as well as your studies! Dr. Coates shares his thoughts about why spring break is a great time to schedule your next dental checkup…
Why Spring Break is Perfect for Dental Exams
1. Maximize Your Time
Getting those dental exams and cleanings done during spring break means you won’t have to disrupt your schedule and miss classes while they are still in session. A visit now can save you an emergency dental visit later! A dental checkup and cleaning only take up to an hour and a half, and then you’re back to the fun and relaxation of spring break.
2. Minimize Dental Costs
Regular dental visits are the time for preventative care and cleanings. During this appointment, your dentist can find decay and plaque as it builds up. Handling issues while they are minor is much less costly than letting them grow into painful and expensive problems. Missing these vital appointments can quickly turn the need for a filling into the need for a root canal.
3. Prevent Dental Emergencies
Finding those cavities before they cause pain and spread around the mouth can help you avoid painful dental emergencies. Spring break is also an excellent time for your dentist to assess the status of your wisdom teeth.
4. Keep Healthy Overall
College can be a blast, and it brings about changes that can be stressful. Stress can lead to a weakened immune system, increasing oral health issues like gingivitis and gum disease.
FAQs about Dental Exams
Q: Why is spring break a good time to schedule a dental exam?
A: Spring break provides a convenient opportunity to schedule your dental exam without disrupting your busy college schedule. By getting your exam and cleaning done during this break, you can maximize your time and avoid missing classes. Additionally, addressing any dental issues early on can prevent the need for emergency dental visits in the future. Dental checkups typically take around an hour and a half, allowing you to quickly return to enjoying your spring break activities.
Q: How can a dental exam help minimize dental costs?
A: Regular dental visits are crucial for preventive care and cleanings. During your dental exam, your dentist can identify decay and plaque buildup. By addressing these issues in their early stages, you can avoid more extensive and expensive dental procedures later on. Missing regular dental appointments can lead to the need for treatments like root canals, which are both painful and costly.
Q: What are the benefits of finding cavities before they cause pain?
A: Detecting cavities before they cause pain is beneficial for several reasons. By identifying cavities early, your dentist can address them before they spread throughout your mouth and become more severe. This helps you avoid painful dental emergencies that may require immediate attention and more invasive treatments. Early detection also allows for more conservative treatment options, such as fillings, which are less invasive and less expensive than advanced procedures.
Q: How does stress during college impact oral health?
A: College life can be stressful, and stress can have negative effects on your oral health. High levels of stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to oral health issues like gingivitis and gum disease. It’s important to take care of your oral health, including attending regular dental exams, to mitigate the potential impact of stress on your oral well-being.
Q: What should I do for oral care while on spring break?
A: During spring break, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits. We recommend replacing your toothbrush every few months as the bristles wear down and become less effective. Using the same toothbrush for an extended period can lead to illness, as germs can accumulate on its bristles. If you’ve been sick, remember to replace your toothbrush after you’ve recovered. Additionally, check the expiration date of your mouthwash and replace it if it has expired. Finally, ensure you have new flossers or string floss to continue flossing daily. It’s most ideal to floss before you brush at least twice a day to maintain optimal oral health.
Q: How can I schedule a dental exam during spring break?
A: To schedule your dental exam during spring break, you can reach out to the office of Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS. You have the option to call the office at (562) 434-6414 or conveniently schedule your appointment online. By booking your appointment early, you can ensure you have enough time to enjoy the rest of your spring break while taking care of your oral health.
While You’re at Home on Break
Before you head back to school, make sure that you:
Replace Your Toothbrush
This should be done every few months. As the bristles break down, toothbrushes become less effective. Also, using the same toothbrush for long periods can lead to illness, as germs that cause bacterial and viral illnesses can live in the brushes of your toothbrush. If you’ve been sick, make sure you replace your toothbrush after you’ve recovered.
Get New Mouthwash
Check the date on the mouthwash. Once your mouthwash has passed its expiration date, it isn’t as effective!
Pick Up New Flossers
Whether you use string floss or flossers, it’s time to get new floss to ensure you are flossing daily. It’s always best to floss before you brush, at least twice per day.
Spring Break is the Time to Relax and Take Care of Your Health
If you’re a college student, get your dental appointment scheduled early so that you can spend the rest of the week enjoying spring break! The office of Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS, looks forward to seeing you and ensuring your smile is in good shape. Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online.
