Teen oral health is important so that your child continues to have gums and teeth that are in the best condition. Many teenagers think that they are too busy to worry about daily brushing or flossing, but it is imperative to care for the gums and teeth during this time. This is a time of rapid growth along with drastic hormonal changes that can affect the teeth and the soft oral tissues of the mouth. Here are some of the things that teenagers should consider when they are caring for their gums and teeth.
Dental Care Tip 1: Brushing and Flossing
Teenagers should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to avoid developing cavities, gingivitis, or halitosis. It is also imperative to floss at least once a day, and most teenagers prefer doing this in the evening before bedtime.
Dental Care Tip 2: Taking Care of Braces or Plastic Aligners
Many teenagers are also undergoing orthodontic treatment to repair their dental malocclusions, so caring for the plastic aligners or the braces is essential. With proper care, a teenager can avoid disrupting the orthodontic treatment plan.
Dental Care Tip 3: Choosing Nutritious Beverages Each Day
It is better for your teenager to drink water or some types of fruit juices rather than only drinking energy drinks or coffee beverages. The teeth are often discolored by coffee or energy drinks, and in many cases, these beverages contain high levels of sugar that can cause tooth decay. We also recommend drinking milk each day to increase the calcium in the body to have stronger bones and teeth.
Dental Care Tip 4: Wisdom Teeth Removal
With an X-ray, we can determine if your teenager has one or more wisdom teeth that require removal. The surgical removal of these teeth before any discomfort begins can prevent additional problems. In addition, our dental office can schedule the procedure at a convenient time.
Dental Care Tip 5: Eating a Healthy Diet
Teenagers should consume a healthy diet each day, making sure to follow special dietary guidelines while wearing braces or aligners. A teenager should eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, but it is often necessary to cook these foods to avoid damaging the brackets and wires of braces.
Dental Care Tip 6: Using an Oral Irrigator
Give your teenager an oral irrigator to help with the removal of food debris. This device is especially important when a teenager wears braces because the pressurized water will blast away food particles and plaque that are caught next to the brackets or the wires.
Dental Care Tip 7: Visit Our Dentist Every Six Months
We recommend visiting our dental office in North Ogden, Utah every six months so that our dentists can find teen oral health problems in the earliest stages. We have a comfortable and professional dental office that offers excellent services to teenagers. Contact North View Dental at 801-528-9099 to schedule your appointment today.
