This document provides patient education for college students on proper oral hygiene. It emphasizes the importance of brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, as well as flossing once or twice daily to remove food debris and disrupt plaque formation between teeth. Mouthwash with essential oils should be used after brushing and flossing. Stress-related habits like frequent snacking on sugary foods and nail biting can damage teeth and gums by increasing acid levels in the mouth and causing physical trauma. Proper nutrition and limiting sugar intake is important for oral health.

1. PATIENT EDUCATION
FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT

2. Brushing
• Why do we brush?
• Brushing helps remove the sticky, slimy film that
is on tooth surfaces
• Not removing the plaque is the leading cause of
gum disease and cavities
• Brush two times a day with a soft bristled
toothbrush
• Use recommended toothpaste

3. It’s all about the brushing technique
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWtkEYKGOf8

4. Flossing
• Why do we floss?
• Flossing removes more than just food
debris. It disrupts dental plaque
formation and bacterial buildup that is
trapped in between the contacts
• How to floss:
• One to two times a day
• C-shaped method

5. Mouth Rinse
• Listerine with essential oils
• Rinse for 30 seconds with 2/3 fluid
once or 4 tsp. morning and night
• Do not swallow!

6. Believe it or not…
• Proper care of your teeth is more
than the daily routine of brushing
and flossing
• Stress related habits such as nail
biting and frequent
snacking/sugar intake are all
contributing factors on your teeth
and gum’s overall health

7. Stress-related habits
• Nail biting –What can it do?
• Can wear down teeth
• Can cause “sore, torn, or
damaged gum tissue caused by
jagged, sharp fingernail edges -
spread of bacteria from other
body parts to the mouth.” "Nail
Biting Can Be Harmful toTeeth.”

8. Stress-related diet
• Although it’s easy to become
overwhelmed being a student in college,
having a job, and not obtaining the proper
diet, having stress and making poor
choices in nutrition can harm your teeth
• It’s about frequency > quantity
• This only means it’s best to drink sugary
beverages, candy, snacks, etc. in one setting
than continuously throughout the day
• When sugar comes in contact with the
bacteria in your mouth, it forms acid
which can lead to CAVITIES!

9. Stress-related diet
GOOD
Water
Gum with xylitol
Sugarless candy
Apples
Cheese
BAD
Tea, coffee, soda
Gum with sugar
Candy
Chips
Cookies

10. Works Cited
• "Nail Biting Can Be Harmful toTeeth." Nail Biting Can Be HarmfulToTeeth| Colgate
Dental Health Articles. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.
• "Causes of Dental Caries." Preventative Dental Care.Web. 12 Apr. 2016.
• Odontiatreio. "Tooth Brushing BassTechnique." YouTube.YouTube, 2010. Web. 12
Apr. 2016.