Teen oral health: Tips for keeping teenage teeth healthy
Teen oral health: Tips for keeping teenage teeth healthy
Being a teenager is hard. Not only do you have the demands of school, your social life, sports, and perhaps even a part-time job, but you also have your health to worry about, including the health of your teeth. The transition from childhood to adulthood can bring new challenges for your oral health, such as wisdom teeth, bad breath and braces. And another thing to worry about are cavities, which can occur quite often during the teen years.
So, read on if you’re a teenager (or a parent of one), as this post will give you a few tips on how to get through the teenage-years with a smile.
Look after your teeth
It’s important to look after your teeth at any age, whether you were you’re in your 90s or if you were born in the 90s. This means brushing twice today, preferably once after breakfast and once before you go to bed. The good habits you set now will serve you well into adulthood!
Don’t smoke
The teen years are a time when many people start smoking. Sometimes it’s because teenagers want to fit in with their peers; other times it’s because they want to rebel. Whatever the reason, smoking is definitely a bad thing to do. Tobacco can cause oral problems such as mouth cancer, bad breath, gum disease, and teeth discolouration, just to name a few, not to mention all the problems for your overall health. So while smoking can seem cool when you’re a teenager, please don’t do it.
Think twice about oral piercings
Some teenagers also like to experiment with piercings. Oral piercings are quite common, such as piercings of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. However, oral piercings can also cause problems such as gum recession and fractured teeth. Speak to your dentist about any potential complications before getting an oral piercing.
Look out for wisdom teeth
The third molars, which are commonly known as the wisdom teeth, often cause problems in the late teens to early adulthood. This is because they don’t always have room to emerge from the gums. If you experience pain in the back of your mouth and the pain doesn’t go away, then visit a dentist to get it checked out, as you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Clean your braces carefully
Many teenagers get braces to straighten their teeth. However, brushing your teeth while wearing braces can be quite challenging. For this reason, some people find that a special toothbrush called an interdental brush can be useful for getting into all the nooks and crannies. Talk to your dentist if you think you might benefit from one.
Wear mouthguards when playing sports
Sports are another common feature of the teen years. If you play any contact sports – such as rugby, basketball, hockey, or football – then please wear a mouthguard, as it can prevent your teeth from getting knocked out during sports. Certainly, the mild inconvenience of wearing a mouthguard is more than made up for by the protection it gives to your teeth.
If you have any further questions, concerns or doubts, get in touch with one of our dentists. Simply make an appointment by calling 01789 400111. We’re here for you – no matter what age you are.
