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Ortho Prep And Precautions For Teens Away at College

Buffalo Grove OrthodontistHopefully while you and your college student took time this summer to prepare for a successful college experience, you didn’t forget that preparations must also be made to ensure their teeth remain as healthy as their grades.

As a scholar, Buffalo Grove orthodontist Dr. Yan Razdolsky knows firsthand how time flies during summer and quickly becomes a scarce resource once college classes commence.

“A wise man by the name of Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,’” says Dr. Razdolsky. “It’s in the best interest of parents and students to take advantage of their free time by preparing for oral and collegiate success this summer.”

With that said, we would like to share the following pointers to help you prepare for and avoid circumstances that could jeopardize your oral health or orthodontic treatment.

Make the most of each summer with checkups

To make the most of your orthodontic checkups, schedule them during the summer, and try to squeeze in a last one right before you leave for the fall semester. This will help tide you over while you’re away at college.

Be proactive

Even if you have strategically scheduled your six-month dental checkups, it is a good idea to have any appliances or dental work such as fixed retainers, caps or sealants checked before heading off to school.

“Just as you would take your car to a mechanic for a checkup to prevent complications during a cross-country trip, you should allow your dentist and orthodontist to check the soundness of your dental work or appliances,” says Dr. Razdolsky. “Sealants especially can cause damage if they are old, and only a dentist would be able to detect whether they need to be reapplied.”

Book ahead for appointments during breaks

Don’t wait until you come home for a holiday or break to schedule a checkup, as we may be unable to squeeze you in with short notice. Instead, take advantage of your school’s calendar and book an appointment that conveniently coincides with your trips home.

Maintain a healthy/safe college diet

College students are notorious for developing poor eating habits. After all, the “freshman 15” isn’t exactly a goal one sets out to achieve. Make sure you still care properly for your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, and avoid hard and crunchy foods if you’re still under orthodontic treatment – you’d be surprised how fast a cavity can develop or how easily an arch wire or bracket can get damaged.

Call us today to map out an oral curriculum that will keep you on track to a healthy smile. We hope you continue to enjoy the summer and wish you the best in your studies.