Entering college brings so many new and interesting experiences for those just entering adulthood, including squeezing into a tiny dorm. You may want to move everything out of your parent’s house right now, but you will have limited space to work with. You have to stick to essentials you’ll use over the next semester or two. Especially with shared bathrooms, you don’t want to have tons of supplies for your needs, including for your dental hygiene, but you must have certain items to keep your smile in healthy, strong condition. Here are some things you need to include in your dorm dental kit this upcoming year at college!
Toothbrush
Your toothbrush may seem like a no-brainer item to have handy, but now that your parents aren’t around to make sure you actually brush and switch it out regularly, these responsibilities are on you! Brushing twice daily not only keeps your breath smelling fresh but also stops harmful plaque from building up and damaging your teeth and gums. If your toothbrush has been used for more than three or four months, it’s time to get a new one with stronger, more effective bristles.
Toothpaste
The toothpaste you select should be a flavor you enjoy and contain ingredients that are proven to help prevent cavities and bacterial growth. Some are uncomfortable about fluoride, but as long as you don’t swallow the paste, it won’t harm your body and will reinforce your enamel. If you would like to explore other options, talk to your dentist about what safe and effective types of toothpaste you can try.
Floss
Although brushing cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth, you have tons of areas your toothbrush can’t reach, such as between teeth. Bacteria and plaque easily accumulate in these spots, infecting your gums. You may be “just a college student” right now, but unless you make flossing a habit in the near future, you could develop gum disease, which is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss.
Dental Emergency Kit
Even if you continue your regular dental checkups and cleanings with your normal dentist and daily care, you may have unpleasant surprises in your dental health. In addition to a regular first-aid kit, you might want to consider having a dental emergency kit ready for yourself or your dormmates. You never know when someone might chip a tooth, get a painful toothache, or even knock out a tooth entirely! In this kit, you should have the following supplies:
- Contact information for a local emergency dentist.
- Floss.
- Dental mirror.
- Gauze or cotton balls.
- Pain reliever.
- Latex gloves.
- Dental wax.
- Cold compress.
Hopefully, dental emergencies won’t happen, but if they do, you can handle the situation and get in touch with a local emergency dentist for assistance if necessary.
While so many adventures await you at college, don’t forget to take care of your basic needs. This is your opportunity to show yourself you’re ready for independence and responsibility, and maintaining your oral health is a great place to start. If you have these items in your dorm kit and use them, you can face whatever challenge college holds with a confident smile!
About the Author
Boyles General Dentistry & Dental Implant Center has served the Midland and surrounding communities for more than 40 years. Dr. Franklin Boyles’s son Dr. Stephen Boyles has maintained the high bar of excellent care and advanced training. As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Boyles has proven his expertise and clinical prowess in routine as well as complex dental procedures. If you experience a dental emergency or simply need a checkup, contact our office online or call 432-685-7011 to schedule an appointment.