Having a nice smile is important to your teen’s self-image. However, many teen decisions can seriously affect their developing teeth and gums now and in the future. Busy teens often feel they don’t have time to practice good home care, but it’s essential at this time of life. Many teens think of themselves as being fully grown, but the fact is that they are still growing, and good nutrition and care of their teeth are important.
Let’s begin with food intake. Many teens eat on the run or have a tendency to snack. That’s fine as long as they’re snacking on healthy foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables make for terrific snack foods, so having them readily available can be a key to helping your teen get the nutrition he or she needs. Whether adolescents should eat three square meals a day or five or six smaller, healthy meals is debatable. However, the more often one eats, the more he or she should brush in order to prevent bacterial activity, which is at its height about 20 minutes after a meal.
Good home care is something that should be taught to your children, but it’s never too late to learn how to care for your teeth properly. Brushing after each meal and flossing daily are essential to having a healthy mouth. Encourage your teen to keep up good home care, even when he or she is not at home.
Another tip involves regular dental checkups. Every six months is usually recommended, but some teens need more professional attention than that. A large percentage of the teen population show signs of periodontal disease, so don’t skip dental appointments during these formative years.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Soda and Sugary Drinks
Sugar found in popular sodas, sports, and energy drinks increases the risk for cavities. In addition, acids found in sodas, including diet sodas, may damage the teeth’s enamel, putting teens at increased risk for tooth decay.
• Tobacco
Not only does smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk for oral cancer, tobacco use can also lead to cavities, receding gums, and gum disease.
• Oral Piercings
Mouth jewelry often comes in contact with the teeth and gums, increasing the risk for chipped or cracked teeth, bacterial infections, receding gums, and bone loss in the mouth.
• Mouthguards
Mouthguards can protect teenagers’ teeth from serious injury, and may reduce the chance of concussion from a blow to the chin or jaw.
• Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can lead to erosion of the teeth’s enamel, cavities, inflammation of the gums, and can eventually cause tooth loss.
