Teenagers and Oral Health

We often focus on teaching our children good dental hygiene habits when they are young. But did you know that the teenage years can be a vulnerable time for teeth, with everything from braces to sports injuries causing issues? Here are some tips to keep your teen’s teeth in tip-top shape.

Remind them to brush and floss. Teens may be protective of their independence, but you can still remind them to brush at least twice a day and floss daily.

Be sure they drink plenty of water. Consumption of soda and other tooth-decaying drinks increases during the teen years, which can be detrimental to teeth and gum health. Make sure your teen drinks plenty of water at home to wash out sugars and keep teeth and gums healthy.

Consider a mouthguard. Teens who play sports, especially full-contact ones, may need a mouthguard. Mouthguards are especially important when a teenager is wearing braces. Ask us which one would be a good fit for your child.

Take special care of teeth with braces. Brushing and flossing is especially important when your teenager has braces. Make sure they are taking proper care of their teeth while they are being straightened so that they don’t start getting cavities. Flossing is trickier for those wearing braces, but extremely important. Ask us about teeth and gum care for those wearing braces.

Be on the lookout for gum disease. Gum disease may seem like it only affects adults, but teenagers are at risk. Wearing braces can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to plaque buildup. Hormonal changes can also make gums more sensitive, so teens may neglect to brush and floss. More frequent cleanings may be needed if a child or teenager starts to show signs of gum disease.

Schedule a Teenagers Dental Appointment Today

If you notice that your teen has stopped brushing or has chronic bad breath, it may be a sign of a larger problem. Don’t hesitate to give Suburban Essex Dental a call and schedule an appointment if you have any concerns about your teenagers teeth!