6 Dental Health Tips for Teenagers : A Brief Guide

As a parent, you are surely aware of the importance of your child’s dental care in their general well-being. But as your kid grows up and becomes independent, you might get less scope to pay attention to how they are taking care of their dental health. 

When your kid enters their teenage years, it is more likely for them to think that they are experts. Most youngsters also choose to avoid dental appointments if they have had very few dental problems in the past. But teenagers need to maintain a proper oral care routine more than even adults. Whether their wisdom teeth are emerging, if they have braces, or if they are facing hormonal changes are some of the significant factors that require teens to follow a dental care routine.

Five Dental Care Tips That Teens Should Follow

We have provided practical tips teens should follow to avoid severe dental problems. 

1. Regular Cleanings and X-rays are Essential

Teens must go for cleaning sessions and professional dental checkups at least twice a year. This will help ensure they aren’t suffering from oral health problems like tooth decay or gum disease. Additionally, X-rays can be useful for identifying wisdom teeth before they start to be the cause of pain or discomfort.

2. They Should Take Care of the Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth usually start to develop behind the back molars during the teenage years. They are often at risk of growing unevenly, damaging the adjacent teeth, and causing other oral complications. Suppose a teen’s dental x-ray shows signs of wisdom teeth. In that case, it is advisable to consult a dentist about scheduling an appointment to have them removed by an oral surgeon before the wisdom teeth create major dental issues.

3. Wearing Mouthguards While Playing Sports is a Must

There are high chances of facing dental trauma or broken teeth while participating in high-intensity sports such as basketball, soccer, etc. These sports become competitive in junior high and high school. So, teenagers can suffer from severe issues if proper precautions are not adopted on time. Broken or chipped teeth can be expensive to fix and cause abscesses or infections if not treated on time. Wearing mouthguards help avoid such injuries with ease.

4. One Should Keep an Eye Out for Gum Disease

Adults genetically at risk of suffering from gum disease often show warning signs during their teenage years. This mostly stands true for females. If a teenager has reddish, inflamed, or sensitive gums, they should book an appointment with a dentist as early as possible. This will help figure out the treatment options available for gum disease.

5. Making Healthy Choices is Vital

A good oral hygiene routine can be the key to avoiding dental cavities, advanced tooth decay, and gingivitis. Teens should know that sugary food, beverages, and tobacco can cause gum infections and tooth decay. They need to floss at least once a day, brush twice daily, and always be careful to notice any signs of suffering from dental problems. 

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We hope you now know the effective dental care tips that teenagers should follow. Lastly, in case of any dental problems, one should consult a dentist near you without trying to play a role of an expert. Any dental issue can be treated if addressed correctly and at an early stage.