Teen's Dentistry

Dental health during the teen years offers another set of challenges. For most parents, this doesn't come as a big surprise. Many changes strike during these formative years, and parents often experience a few frustrations.

But teens listen more than we realize, and pestering parents can make a tremendous difference in the dental future of these young adults. Oral home care habits tend to slide, sometimes to complete neglect. Increased independence may lead to eating and drinking habits that harm oral and overall health. Remember to appreciate any encouragement to help your teen avoid the long-term effects of cavities and gum inflammation.

Preventive visits every six months allow us to coach your teen and reinforce the efforts you're making with them. Sometimes the rapport we establish in a professional yet friendly setting proves especially effective. Plus, we can share problems with them through visual aids while reinforcing their positive efforts.

Tips for home efforts that protect your teen's dental health:

• Limit sodas and energy drinks. Sugary carbonated drinks are the number one cause of tooth decay in adolescents. Many 20-ounce soda bottles contain 18 teaspoons of sugar in a highly acidic liquid. The combination can be devastating for teeth.
  
  
• Encourage brushing before bedtime. Night hours can be especially harmful as the mouth dries out and bacterial plaque flourishes.
  
  
• Explain the dangers of sharing toothbrushes. Teens love to share everything, even toothbrushes. The bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities can easily transfer from one person to the next through this method.
  
  
• Slip in dental floss or a toothpick with their lunch or backpack.