Starting university is an exciting time, and for many students, their first time living away from home. This can be a great new experience but also quite a challenge as you start to negotiate the world without the help and guidance of your parents.
There are also new friends to be made, lectures to attend, societies to join and, for some, the challenge of learning how to cook something more adventurous than beans on toast. With so much going on, it is hardly surprising that looking after your teeth doesn’t always feel like a priority.
The problem here though, is that a few months of neglected oral health can often lead to problems that take much longer to put right. The good news is that keeping your teeth and gums healthy does not require a huge amount of effort. A few sensible habits fitted into your daily routine can make all the difference.
If you know that you are moving away from the Croydon area after the summer holidays, now is a good time to book a dental check-up with us. Small problems are almost always much easier to deal with before you leave than halfway through your first term. No one wants to have to find a new dentist while suffering in pain AND having to study as well.
It might be that a filling needs replacing, your wisdom teeth have started causing discomfort or your gums are feeling uncomfortable. Sorting these things out before university means one less thing to worry about later. It also gives you the chance to ask us any questions about looking after your teeth while you are away from home.
University life is not always known for routine. Late nights, early lectures and busy weekends can make it tempting to fall into bed without brushing your teeth out of tiredness, or perhaps too much partying. This may very well happen occasionally but you should make sure that it doesn’t become a habit.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is still one of the simplest and most effective ways of preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It only takes a couple of minutes, yet it can save a great deal of inconvenience later. Think of it in the same way as charging your phone. It is just something you make part of your daily routine.
Students often admit that their eating habits become less healthy after moving away. Convenience foods, takeaways and late-night snacks all have their place from time to time in the life of a student, but they can also increase the risk of tooth decay if sugary foods and drinks become a regular part of the day.
It is often not just what you eat that matters too, but how often. Constant snacking throughout the day means that your teeth are exposed to repeated acid attacks throughout the day. If you do fancy something sweet, it is usually better to enjoy it with a meal rather than grazing on sugary snacks every couple of hours.
We have all seen younger people walking around with energy drinks, and these might be tempting to help you have the energy for your new routine, but doing so is not good news for your teeth. These drinks are usually high in sugar and also acids and can lead to enamel erosion of the teeth. This can cause tooth sensitivity and increases the risk of tooth decay. While the odd one here and there may not be too harmful, in general, water is by far the best drink for your teeth and to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Water also helps rinse away food debris, keeps your mouth comfortable and encourages healthy saliva production that washes bacteria from your teeth and gums and helps in the fight against gum disease.
Brushing is important, but it cannot reach every surface. Cleaning between your teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss removes plaque from areas where decay and gum disease often begin. Many people skip this because they think it takes too long or they find it a little tricky to do. In reality, once it becomes part of your routine, it usually only takes a minute or two and learning how to do it efficiently is simply a matter of practice. Our Croydon dentists or hygienists will be happy to demonstrate how to do this.
University is often the first time people experience complete freedom over their social lives. Enjoying yourself is part of the experience, but it is worth remembering that smoking remains one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer.
Alcohol can also contribute to a dry mouth, particularly after a night out, and many alcoholic drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar.If you do drink, alternating alcoholic drinks with water is good advice for both your body and your mouth.
Many drugs too can have a serious impact on your oral health. If you find yourself in the situation where you are taking drugs, you may wish to discuss this with the medical officer at your university to get help.
It can be tempting to hope a painful tooth will simply settle down. This is usually wishful thinking. Mostly though, toothache is your body's way of telling you something needs attention. The longer you leave it, the more likely it is that treatment becomes more complicated.
If you develop pain, swelling or a broken tooth while you are away at university, arrange to see a dentist rather than relying on painkillers to get you through the term.
If you are moving a long way from home, it may be worth finding out where your nearest dental practice is.
Some students continue visiting their Croydon family dentist during holidays, while others prefer to register closer to where they are studying. Either approach can work, but it is sensible to know where to go if you suddenly need advice or emergency treatment.
Every student has a mental checklist before leaving for university. Laptop, phone charger, passport, bank card and somewhere near the top of that list should be a toothbrush, dental floss and fluoride toothpaste.
It sounds obvious, yet they are just as essential as many of the things people remember to pack without thinking. Replacing a forgotten charger is easy. Replacing a damaged tooth is rather more complicated!
Whatever you are going to study at university, it can be an exciting, if occasionally challenging, time. Making sure that your teeth and gums remain in good health might feel like a ‘side issue’ but doing so means that you can go about your new social life without having to put up with sensitivity or perhaps even a discoloured smile. At the Smile Dental Practice in Croydon, we are here to help you maintain a healthy mouth and can also help with smile improvements as well. If you would like to discuss this with us, why not give us a call on 020 8649 7911.
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