In the Know for You to Know

A bright smile and fresh breath, that’s what a healthy mouth means. It also means your tween or teen can talk and laugh with confidence.

Good dental health starts with good habits at home. As parents we play a crucial role in developing positive, healthy behaviors at a young age.

It’s the constructive brushing and flossing habits that teens remember and carry with them as they develop their own daily routine. These are the practices they continue to carry as they grow into adulthood; leading them to robust and lifelong health and well-being.

Today we’re talking teen’s teeth with some facts, ideas and tips on keeping a healthy smile in your child’s teenage years.

4 Facts To Know About Your Teen’s Dental Health

Fact 1: They have not outgrown tooth decay (aka cavities). In fact, dental decay may be more of a problem for them during their teen years than it ever has been before.

Fact 2: Gum disease (gingivitis) is a risk to their dental health. Gingivitis causes red, swollen and bleeding gums as well as bad breath.

Fact 3: They will have all (or almost all) of their permanent teeth with the possible exception of their wisdom teeth (third molars).

Fact 4: They may be tall but they are still growing. During these growing years, their face and jaws undergo many changes.

Checklist For You To Help Your Teen Keep A Healthy Smile

• Eat intelligently. Life is going to be more hectic now. If they have to eat on the run, choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of junk foods.
• Snack smartly. Be careful of snack foods containing sugar; they cause cavities.
• Practice good prevention at least twice a day. Brush effectively using fluoridated toothpaste. Floss to prevent gum disease and tooth decay in between their teeth.
• Keep up with dental checkups. Tooth cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants are important for cavity prevention.
• Don’t smoke, vape or chew tobacco! The warnings you hear and read about are true. Besides lung and heart problems, vaping and tobacco can cause mouth, lung and throat cancer. If your child is vaping or using tobacco and you notice any changes in their mouth, contact your Doctor immediately.
• Wear a mouth guard for any sports or activities in which their mouth can be hit.
• It’s not nagging to remind them to buckle up in the car. A seat belt with a shoulder strap can help keep their face from striking the steering wheel, the dashboard or windshield during an accident.

5 Tips For Smart Snacking

1. Be careful of between-meal snacks. Limit them and make wise healthy choices.
2. Clean your mouth as soon as possible after the snack. No tooth brush handy? No problem. Even a simple swish and rinse with water will help.
3. Don”t let snacks take the place of nutritionally balanced meals
4. Soda, juice, sports drinks and flavored waters are more than empty calories. They cause cavities by eating away at the enamel of your teeth.
5. Ask your teen, How much time do they want to spend in the dental chair taking care of cavities?

What To Remember

Your goal is to keep your tween and teen on the path to good oral health for a lifetime. Prevention is the way to start. This means staying consistent with tooth brushing, flossing, healthy snacks and healthy diet.

Don’t forget The WHY. Why you’re encouraging good dental health for your tween and teen. This is for their better overall health and well-being as they grow into adulthood. By taking care of their dental health early, your children will reap the rewards later. Remember to stay focused on their long-term prize, even as you take care of the short-term daily goals and habits.

How’s your teen’s tooth brushing going? Is flossing nonexistent? Do you feel like you’re going into battle when you remind them to brush their teeth and floss? What do you think will be the driving force toward checking all the boxes on the dental checklist? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!