Teen Years are Tough on Teeth
The preteen and teen years can be difficult for our kids. We don’t want to add dental concerns to their list of worries. Braces, wisdom teeth, clear skin, and bad breath are just a few things these kids face as they grow from children into young adults.
The ages of 12-19 are some of the toughest on teeth. As teens grow they become more independant. This leads to changes not only in their bodies, but also in their diets, hygiene, hormones, social pressures, and lifestyle. All these changes can lead to damage to their teeth and gums. Teens often attempt to avoid preventive care and place low priority on maintaining good daily hygiene. The best way for teens to enjoy their smile is to keep using the good oral health practices they were taught as young children, as they continue to grow.
Dietary Habits – As teens spend more time out with friends or getting involved in school activities, they tend to develop new diets that are high in refined carbohydrates and acid containing beverages. These foods combine with the bacteria in our mouths and contribute to tooth decay, which happens to be the most common childhood disease in ages 6-19. Tooth decay is 4x more common than asthma in ages 14-17. To minimize the risk to teeth, teens should brush and floss often throughout the course of their day and drink lots of water. Dr. Lunan can also be consulted to educate your teen on proper brushing and flossing techniques, and tooth friendly, nutritious food choices.
Hormonal Changes – Hormones that are released during puberty can cause increased blood circulation in the gums. Therefore, there is a higher risk for gingivitis in teens. Their gums may bleed when brushing or become swollen, red and tender. Luckily gingivitis is reversible with proper brushing, flossing and antimicrobial mouth rinses.
Sports Injuries – Oral injuries are often permanent, but can be prevented by having your teen wear a mouthguard while playing sports. Dr. Lunan can create an age appropriate, custom fit sportsguard for your teen with a simple impression taken in her dental office. The guards themselves should be kept clean and stored in a ventilated container.
Oral Piercings – Jewelry that is worn in the lips or tongue can chip teeth, scrape gum tissues, affect cheeks and uvula, and lead to serious oral infections. Oral health problems problems associated with oral piercings include swalling or aspirating the jewelry, speech impairment, fractured teeth, embedded jewels and gum recession. Dr. Lunan can provide guidance about the dangers and potential complications of oral piercings to help your teen make safe choices.
Social Pressures – Pressure on teens to look a certain way can lead to eating disorders. These disorders can in turn lead to serious health problems such as damaged teeth and gums. Bulimia and anorexia can lead to inflammed gums, erosion of tooth enamel, tooth decay and even the loss of teeth. Dr. Lunan can treat the teeth, but if you suspect your teen has an eating disorder please seek medical attention immediately.
Lifestyle – Did you know that about 88% of youths taking up tobacco use by the age of 18. There is an increased chance of developing oral cancer with tobacco use. Staining on the teeth and bad breath can occur with smoking as well. If your teen has taken to smoking be sure they are getting an oral cancer exam and they know the risks.
For preteens and teens, remaining committed to good oral hygiene habits should help them get through their teen years with their oral health in tact. Keep up with their routine dental visits with Dr. Joy Lunan in MIddlebury, CT . Just don’t ask her about their fashion choices! 🙂 (203)-598-7920 819 Straits Turnpike