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Teen Tooth-Care Issues
by Amy A. Napierala, D.D.S.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Ideally, by the time your child is a teenager, good oral-care habits are as much a part of her daily routine as using her formidable arsenal of hair products every morning or calling her friends after school. That being said, your job as her dental guardian isn't over, as even the most conscientious teen needs a few parental reminders from time to time.
In addition to the basics--is she remembering to floss regularly and brush twice a day?--other issues come into play when it involves your teenager's oral health:
- Change dentists. Around the ages of 18 to 21, you might consider switching your child from her pediatric dentist to one who will take care of her adult dental needs. The exact timing of the change will be determined by your child's comfort level with their current dentist vs. their eagerness to be treated in a more adult setting.
- Schedule an orthodontic evaluation. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This doesn't mean that your child will need treatment at that time, but it does give the orthodontist or dentist an opportunity to check her for a bad bite (malocclusion). If you or your child are concerned about her bite or appearance, ask your orthodontist or dentist for an evaluation.
- Remind her about the importance of a healthy diet. As every parent knows, many teens frequently consume unhealthy snacks throughout the day. Sodas, sports drinks, and candy bars contain copious amounts of sugar that can harm teeth, and sweet, sticky treats (such as caramels and fruit snacks) pose a particular hazard for those with braces. Teens usually don't relish parental lectures, but putting in a word from time to time about why it's a smart idea to eat right--and brush often--probably will do some good in the long run. If the health angle doesn't work, appeal to your teen's vanity. Remind her that a mouthful of cavities or permanent discolorations caused by not brushing around braces won't exactly do wonders for her smile.
- Educate her about gum disease. An increase in hormone production and a normal tendency to let oral hygiene slide a bit make your teen vulnerable to inflamed gums (gingivitis), which can lead to gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Educating her about this danger might make her a little more thorough about brushing and flossing.
- Protect her teeth from sports injuries. Make sure that your child wears a mouthguard for all contact sports, such as baseball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and softball--even if it's not required, as it usually is in football, hockey, and lacrosse. Children in braces should wear a "one size fits all" guard, since the custom-made ones can hinder tooth movement and be a difficult fit around all the hardware.
- Chalk up another reason to avoid tobacco. No doubt you (and probably her school) have stressed the health risks associated with smoking. It's also a good idea to remind her of the specific hazards tobacco use can pose to her oral well-being, such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. If these major health consequences don't encourage your child to quit, then mention that cigarettes can also cause unsightly staining of the teeth and embarrassingly bad breath.
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Created December 20, 2000
Reviewed January 05, 2001
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