Fresh breath, straight teeth and a clean white smile are important, even for sluggish college students. Unsightly appearances can be easily altered with the right dental hygiene, turning a hideous smile into a stunning display of pearly whites.
The fact that every student lives a hectic life is a widely accepted truth at this university. Between lectures, tests and Starbucks, the last thing on a studying mind is dental health. As the early risers roll out of bed for their 8 a.m. class, pull on a jacket and race out the door at 7:55, brushing often gets skipped for sleep without even considering the consequences.
"I brush my teeth every day, twice a day. I use Listerine, but I don't floss. I just chew gum instead," said Pretti Sandhu, a sophomore psychology major.
Most students agree they follow the same care plan. However, Jude A. Fabiano, associate dean for clinical affairs and doctor of restorative dentistry of the UB School of Dental Medicine, recommends otherwise.
"You should be brushing twice a day, after breakfast... most importantly at bedtime. If you don't brush before bedtime you are sleeping with food debris and plaque. That's what causes tooth decay and gum problems," Fabiano said.
Flossing the areas between teeth is most important, according to Fabiano, as there are five surfaces of a tooth and when brushing, only three surfaces are cleaned. Food particles left on teeth produce acids as a waste product, and acids cause the breakdown of tooth enamel. Once this has occurred, students will be taking a trip to the dentist for a painful cavity filling.
Although there is no substitute for brushing and flossing daily, Fabiano recommends Act, an over-the-counter fluoride rinse. This is used to aid students in combating pesky plaque, which ultimately leads to troubles.
"Number one, decay formation will occur; number two, you can start to develop gum problems [such as inflammation]. As wisdom teeth come in, plaque and food can get around the tooth," said Fabiano.
To keep smiles intact and looking white and sparkly, it is best to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Diet sodas loved by all may not contain sugar, but they are corrosive. Each sip of the sweet liquid equates to bathing one's poor teeth in a pool of acid.
Fruits and veggies are key to any diet, especially for those who worry about their teeth. The crunching action of chomping on a fresh apple or crispy carrot has a cleansing effect. Yet even raisins can be an enemy. They may appear to be just an innocent cluster of dried grapes, but they are actually coated with sugar and may lead to cavities.
Not all foods hurt rather than help smiles. According to recent evidence, Fabiano comments that cheese may be beneficial to keeping teeth healthy and happy. This delicious dairy treat might have an anti-decay effect, so put down that candy bar and pick up a cheese stick.
While performing healthy dental habits, let's not forget about the tongue. Students should brush their tongue or invest in a tongue scraper. The mouth is a breeding ground for battling bacteria and the tongue is in the middle of it, emanating a deadly scent.
Alone, students can only do so much to care for their teeth. Fabiano recommends visiting a dentist twice a year to get teeth cleaned and examined. This will help to prevent future problems from developing.
"The dental school is more than happy to see students if they need dental care, or even if they want to...maintain their dental care with cleanings," adds Fabiano.
For the sake of students' health and the health of their teeth, the dental school offers discounts on some procedures with an applicable insurance plan at a third of the cost of private practices. To schedule an appointment, call patient admission at 829-2732. Your teeth will thank you.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
