Family Dental Care Checklist: Oral Care for Teens

Family Dental Care Checklist: Oral Care for Teens

Inevitably, teenagers worry about a lot of different matters, especially during that transition from childhood to adulthood. For example, braces, puberty, among many other factors are just to name a few. But beyond that, teenagers are incredibly busy with school, extra-curricular activities, their social life, and more. And let’s face it–most teenagers may not have the healthiest of diets, as many of them are lovers of junk food, which makes them more susceptible to dental problems, such as cavities.

One of the best ways for teens to get into the habit of good oral health and overall health is by starting to teach them good oral habits at an early age. When certain habits and healthy foods are introduced to teens at an early age, this makes it easier to keep your teen’s dental health in the best shape.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the best ways to encourage your children to start taking great care of their oral health at an early age.

Helpful Oral Health Habits For Your Teen

• Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. When your child understands the importance of getting into the routine of brushing and flossing regularly, they will likely incorporate it into their everyday routine as they grow older. It is no secret that teenagers care about their appearance, so they should understand that a poor oral health regimen can lead to tooth decay, cavities, stained teeth, bad breath, missing teeth, and other dental problems. You can be sure that they will do everything possible to ensure that their oral health routine is in tip-top shape in order to avoid such problems.

• Be a role model for them, even when it comes to oral health. As a parent, you want to set a good example for your child. This includes many aspects of their life, such as their oral health. When they see that you also practice good oral hygiene and value your oral health, they will likely follow in your same footsteps. You should also discuss the value of oral health with them so they understand the importance of taking care of their teeth.

• It’s also a good idea to have a sufficient amount of oral health supplies handy. For example, soft toothbrushes, floss, plastic flossers, and other oral health supplies should always be readily available for your child to use. 

• Children and teens are notorious for loving junk food, including sweets and other sugar-filled snacks and beverages. However, it is in your and your child’s best interests to limit the amount of sugar intake. Instead of having sugary snacks or drinks around, replace them with delicious fruits and vegetables that they like instead. Having a home stocked with nutritious food and snacks is extremely important for your child’s oral health and overall health, as it also increases the function of their immune system so they can fight off gum disease and other health issues. 

• Discuss the harmful effects of smoking and the fact that it causes individuals to be more susceptible to oral health problems. Unfortunately, peer pressure is still very prevalent today among our teenagers and it is imperative to talk to your children about the harmful effects of such decisions, such as smoking, drinking, etc.

Other Treatments For Your Teen

It is also important to discuss your teen’s dental care in terms of what they should expect as they get older. For many teens, getting braces and having their wisdom teeth removed are some very common and important changes that they will face. It’s important that they understand that getting braces and having their wisdom teeth removed is a normal part of life, as they are crucial steps to living a life of great oral health.

Here are some important tips to share with your teen so they know what to expect as they get older:

• Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, means more than just a beautiful smile. This is because when your teeth are aligned correctly, it makes it easier to brush, floss, and maintain cleanliness, and have a more functional smile. 

• Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as our third molars, do not have sufficient room to erupt and when they become impacted, it can cause an infection or cause the adjacent teeth to shift. For many teens and adults in their early 20s, having their wisdom teeth removed may be necessary to maintain their oral health.

• Bad breath, also known as halitosis, generally comes from bacteria buildup on the tongue. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your teen the importance of a good oral health regimen, tongue brushing, and regular dentist visits.

• If your teen has stained teeth, it is good for them to know that there are options out there to help whiten their teeth. Over-the-counter whitening kits, as well as professional teeth whitening at a dentist, are both highly effective and can help improve your teen’s self-esteem.

• Did you know that oral piercings can have negative effects on the health of your mouth? For instance, tongue, cheek, or lip piercings can cause issues such as speech impairments, chipped or fractured teeth, swallowing jewelry, and more. To learn more about the dangers of oral piercings, you can discuss in detail with your dentist.

Contact Our Family Dental Office Today

As a skilled family dentist in Torrance, CA, our team is committed to providing exceptional dental and orthodontic care. With years of experience specializing in a wide range of dental and orthodontic services, we are confident in our ability to provide our patients with unmatched services and results. If you are searching for a skilled family dentist or orthodontist, our team is here to help every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for you or your teen and get the dental care that you need and deserve.