Dental health during teen years offers another set of challenges. For most parents, this doesn’t come as a big surprise. A dizzying number of changes strike during these formative years, and parents often experience a few frustrations along the way.
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 the point of complete neglect. Increased independence may lead to eating and drinking habits that harm oral and overall health. Don’t underestimate any encouragement given to help your teen avoid the long-term effects of cavities and gum inflammation.
Preventive visits every six months provide us with an opportunity 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 any positive efforts they’re making.
Limit sodas and energy drinks. Sugary carbonated drinks are the number one cause of tooth decay in adolescents. Many 20 ounce bottles of soda contain 18 teaspoons of sugar in an extremely acidic liquid. The combination can be devastating for teeth.
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.
Shoreline Dental Studio is represented by a group of warm, caring, intelligent and compassionate individuals. These health professionals work hard to make every experience at Shoreline Dental Studio an exceptional one. You can learn a little more about each of them below.
Your experience matters. Explore our patients’ testimonials and see why we’re their first choice in dental care.
“Best dental experience ever! Everyone is so sweet, caring and incredibly knowledgeable and confident. I was super nervous about going to dentist after not having gone for awhile but as soon as stepped into the studio I felt like I was in good, loving hands and had nothing to worry about! Everyone is so great about creating a calm and friendly experience:) Dr. Livingston is the best!”
Becca B
“It’s a friendly, welcoming and stress free environment. From the candle in the reception area to the windows in the treatment rooms looking out on a garden, it feels very non-dentist like, which is actually a good thing. They addressed the issue I had come in for and didn’t try to upsell me on other unnecessary treatments. I actually found a dentist’s office that I like!”
Rhonda H
Experience the compassionate care that sets us apart. Schedule your visit and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
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Teens face a few different dental challenges, all of which fall within the scope of teen dentistry. Adolescent orthodontics and wisdom teeth extractions play a big role, as does a more intensive approach to dental education—helping them understand what is needed to protect their adult teeth for the long term.
Like adults, teens should be getting their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. Regular visits are especially important with the rise in bad habits like smoking and the common general neglect of personal hygiene, including daily oral hygiene habits.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop; also called “third molars,” they’re located right at the back of your mouth. For some, they grow out normally and don’t cause any problems, but many people simply don’t have enough room in the back of their mouth to accommodate these extra teeth. They are usually only removed if they are impacted or causing problems, although some surgeons and dentists prefer to remove them as a matter of course rather than wait for an issue to develop.
It may come as a surprise, but many oral healthcare professionals are able to remove your teen’s wisdom teeth. As long as there are no specific problems, you can choose to take them to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, or your friendly family dentist.
Yes—however, if the tooth is impacted, causing pain, or infected, your dentist will probably refer you to an oral surgeon.
Aesthetics start to become very important in the teen years, and we have good news: teeth whitening can be done as early as 14 if it’s needed. The best approach is to take good care of your teeth and keep up regular cleaning appointments, so you avoid the problem of staining altogether.
