Helping your Teenager Manage Their Dental Health
When a child is first born, there is so much excitement over every milestone that occurs. As time goes by, those milestones lead to more and more independence in children until they reach their teenage years. If you have a child who is a teenager or have one in your extended family, then you know that it is one of the most difficult age brackets a parent or guardian experiences because the teen is testing the waters of adulthood and learning their boundaries.
From an oral health standpoint, we also see a shift in oral care when a child becomes a teenager. Many teens tend to be careless with at-home oral care, while others neglect oral health completely. It is extremely important that teenagers visit our office for a routine examination every six months. Using a tag-team approach, we can work together with parents to encourage the need for proper oral hygiene and remedy any problems that may develop. Working together, we can encourage the need for brushing teeth two minutes twice a day and using dental floss as needed. This is extremely important for everyone, but especially for teenagers who are receiving orthodontic care. Not cleaning your teeth properly while wearing braces can lead to severe tooth decay and serious future oral health problems.
Tips to Help Protect Your Teen’s Teeth
Even if you feel that your teenager is not listening, they are hearing what you say. Being persistent and helping create an oral health routine can go a long way in their self-care. Tips to help protect your teen’s teeth include:
- Limit soft drinks and sport drinks and encourage drinking water instead
- Provide healthy snack options
- Encourage brushing and flossing after meals when wearing braces
- Discuss the dangers of sharing toothbrushes
If you, your teen, or another loved one has not visited our office located in Silverdale, WA recently for a hygiene examination, we encourage you to call today to schedule an appointment. Be sure to notify our office of any concerns that you might have. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!
