Teens struggle with orthodontics, contact sports and poor diets filled with carbs and sugars. Less common issues that can still seriously impact the oral and dental health of teenagers are vaping, smoking and mouth piercings. Higher rates of tooth decay are more common in teenagers because of these issues.

Being a teenager is hard. As teens grow, they are faced with many obstacles and their oral health is no different. The teenage years is the time when most people get braces, or their wisdom teeth removed – or both! Many of these procedures are a common part of life and growing up, while others are proactive and preventative measures taken by your dentist to ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

Things to consider discussing with your teens:

Bad Breath: Simple changes in personal oral hygiene habits can eliminate and freshen up your teen’s bad breath. Flossing, brushing twice a day and using mouthwash should get to the root of the problem. If these efforts don’t work – there may be another problem causing this and you should bring your teen to a dentist.

Tobacco Use: Tobacco products contain toxins that have been shown to cause various types of cancer, gum disease, bad breath and tooth discolouration. It’s easier to kick the habit at a younger age rather than older!

Contact Sports: If your teen is involved in contact sports – mouth-guards should always be used to protect the teeth, jaw and head from potential impact.

Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause a host of problems for most people if not removed by a certain age. If you’re teen needs their wisdom teeth extracted – this should be done between the ages of 14-18, for the least amount of recovery time.

Orthodontics: Whether braces or aligners – orthodontics are used to straighten the teeth and align your bite. The brackets, wires and elastics can serve as obstacles to optimal oral hygiene. Your teen needs to be properly taught by a dental professional the best ways to effectively remove plaque and food debris.

Teenagers who keep up good dental health habits and take care of their mouth will reap the benefits of healthy teeth well into adulthood. Remember to set a good example by practicing proper oral hygiene and ensuring your teen gets regular dental care.

At Desired Smiles Family Dentistry we offer many types of dental services for teenagers – including orthodontics, wisdom teeth removal, and general dentistry.  Contact us to learn more about our dental services and book your teen an appointment today!