Let’s Talk About Your Teen’s Teeth
Teenagers are busy! They have school, homework, extracurriculars, maybe also a job, and they still find time to hang out with their friends. Many a parent has complained that they barely see their teenager because they’re always on the go. And that can make keeping up with their oral hygiene a challenge.
Continue reading to learn more!
Adolescence & Oral Health
The teenage years are a crucial period for oral health. Adolescence is a time of rapid and dramatic change. Hormonal fluctuations can make gums more sensitive to inflammation and infection. A teenager’s natural tendency to test limits and defy rules can lead to lax hygiene habits. Additionally, many older teenagers experience erupting wisdom teeth. All of these factors make it especially important for parents to keep an eye on their teen’s oral health.
What to Watch For
Even if your teen leads a busy life, it’s important to check in with them to make sure they’re brushing and flossing every day and not feeling any tooth or jaw pain. Some issues to be aware of include:
- Plaque buildup: If your teen is not brushing and flossing as they should, plaque will quickly build up and harden into tartar, putting them at a much higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque buildup is visible on the teeth, it’s a clear sign your teen is not practicing good oral hygiene.
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums: Healthy gums are pink and firm. Infected gums appear red and puffy. They may also bleed easily. So, if you notice traces of blood on your teen’s toothbrush or in their bathroom sink, they might have gum disease, and we need to see them as soon as possible.
- Favoring one side of the mouth: If your teen chews only with one side of their mouth, it could indicate tooth pain or sensitivity due to a cavity, an oral infection, or an emerging third molar. This type of behavior warrants further investigation, especially if there’s also facial swelling. Please call our office right away.
- Wincing when yawning or taking a big bite: Jaw pain, popping, clicking, and locking could be signaling a TMJ or bite problem that requires treatment. It should not be painful for your teen to do normal things like chewing, yawning, or opening their mouth wide.
- Change in the appearance of their smile: Crowding, discoloration, widening gaps, receding gums — these are all warning signs. If you notice that your teens’ smile looks different in any way, there might be a problem we need to address.
What Parents Can Do
The best thing you can do for your teen is talk to them. Start by asking them about their oral hygiene habits and if they feel any pain or discomfort in their mouth or jaw. Even if you have a defiant teenager, it’s worth bringing up the subject. Teens are listening more than they like to admit, and when they know you care about their oral health, they’re likely to take it more seriously.
We also encourage you to continue bringing your child in for dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Our team understands teenagers’ unique oral health needs. Plus, regular cleanings and exams allow us to detect and treat most oral health problems before they can seriously damage your child’s smile.
Remember: Teenagers are paying attention even when they act like they aren’t. If you model good oral hygiene habits, your child is more likely to adopt those habits too. By brushing and flossing daily and visiting us regularly, you’re teaching your children the importance of prioritizing their oral health.
If it’s time to schedule your children’s checkups, call our office located in Silverdale, WA, and we’ll find a time that works for you.
