We often focus on teaching our children good dental hygiene habits when they are young. Unfortunately, we forget about those habits as our children get older.
But did you know that 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, so their pearly whites will last well into adulthood!
Stay on top of brushing and flossing – Teens may be protective of their independence, but you can still remind them to brush and floss daily. Be sure to keep setting a good example by brushing and flossing daily!
Be sure they drink plenty of water – Consumption of soda and other tooth-decaying drinks ramps up during the teen years, which can be dangerous to tooth enamel. Make sure your teen drinks plenty of water at home to wash out the sugars and keep teeth healthy.
Look into mouth guards – Teens who play sports, especially full-contact ones, may need a mouth guard. There are custom-made and over-the-counter varieties. Ask us which one would be a good fit for your child.
Watch out for oral piercings – We’ve seen an increase in oral piercings over the years, particularly among teens. These can lead to infections or cracked and chipped teeth. If your teen gets an oral piercing, make sure they stay up to date on their dental care. And if they are considering getting a piercing, come pay us a visit first to be sure their mouth is in good health.
Be on the watch for gum disease – Gum disease may seem like it only affects adults, but its seeds are often sown during puberty. Wearing braces can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to plaque build up. Hormonal changes can also make gums more sensitive, so teens may neglect to brush and floss.
If you notice that your teen has stopped brushing, or has chronic bad breath, it may be the sign of a larger problem. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment if you have any concerns about your teen’s teeth!
