Bad Breath: You Don't Have to Live with It

As students attend their first year of college, one of the main concerns may be the Freshman 15. This is a classic phrase used to describe the weight that someone gains during their first year in college. A lot of this weight is attributed to a change in lifestyle and diet. Along with being concerned about your diet, it's important to consider the state of your oral hygiene. As you plan to attend college, you can follow a regimen unofficially referred to as the Freshman 5. There are five ways to start off college with a healthy smile and maintain that smile until your graduation. Before heading to college, you can take care of these methods at a local dentist. This will give you plenty of time to get multiple procedures done and head to college with a fresh start.

Dental Whitening

Your first semester in college is filled with a number of new experiences. You will meet new people, get your college ID photo taken, and explore the campus. Feel confident and smile proudly by getting your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist. A cosmetic dentist can use a strong solution that makes your teeth whiter in just a matter of minutes. Dentists can use more concentrated bleaching agents than at-home kits, and the process can make your smile look shades brighter.

Deep Cleanings

Before you start college, it's a good idea to get a deep cleaning of your mouth. Dorm room snacks, cafeteria food, and unhealthy food choices can all lead to possible problems like gingivitis. A deep cleaning of your mouth expands beyond the traditional cleaning. Tools are used to eliminate bacteria found deep in the gums and teeth. By eliminating this bacteria, it can help your gums feel healthy and is a great way to start on proper dental hygiene techniques for college.

Tooth Repairs

Going out on your own for college means that you will have a lot of new responsibilities. If you already have problems with your mouth, those problems may become worse without proper dental care. Before college begins, it's a good idea to visit a cosmetic dentist for any tooth repairs that you may need. For example, you may want to repair a chipped or cracked tooth. Leaving these problems in your mouth can result in further issues down the line like tooth pain and the need for root canals.

During a dental procedure, your teeth can be treated and healed with crowns or tooth bonding. A crown completely covers your tooth while bonding is a material used to fill cracks or form over your tooth to return it back to the original shape. No only can these procedures help prevent future problems, but it will give you a healthy looking smile that you can head to college with.

Dental Implants

The summer before college begins is a great time to help fill in any gaps within your smile. Dental implants can be used as a permanent solution for any gaps or missing teeth in your mouth. The implant is fused to your jaw bone to provide a secure anchor and natural feel while talking or chewing. After the implant has set into place, a dental crown can be screwed into the top of it. This crown can be shaped and formed to match the other teeth in your mouth. A consultation with a cosmetic dentist can help you go over the finer details of the procedure and help set up a full appointment schedule before college begins.

Dental Travel Packs

As you pack for college, proper dental care should be near the top of the list. Any time you visit the dental office, you can request sample items like toothpaste or mouthwash. These items are great for keeping in your dorm and can be used as an emergency supply if you run out of traditional items. It's also a good idea to purchase and stock up on extra items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss. Having everything on hand will make it a lot easier to take care of your mouth and prevent problems when supplies run out.

Visit a cosmetic dentistry clinic to help create a healthy smile and start off college with the proper care.