Oral Health Tips for Teens from Superteeth Pediatric Dentistry

The teenage years bring increased independence, which comes with more choices regarding diet and lifestyle. At Superteeth Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that friends often influence these choices more than parents. However, maintaining good oral health habits is still crucial. Here are some tips to help your teen preserve a healthy smile during this transformative time.

Encourage Healthy Eating

Teens are always on the go and may rely on energy drinks, fast food, and nutrition bars, which are often loaded with sugar, carbs, and acids that can harm their dental health.

Here’s how you can encourage healthier choices:

• Healthy Snacks: Keep cheese sticks, fruit, and raw veggies on hand.
• Beverage Choices: Stock the fridge with water, coconut water, and no-sugar teas.
• Tooth-Friendly Sweets: Trade traditional gum and candy for those made with tooth-friendly xylitol or other sugar-free sweeteners.

While you can’t always control your teen’s diet, having healthy options readily available can make it easier for them to make better choices.

Encourage Mouthguard Use

If your teenager plays contact sports like football, soccer, or lacrosse, insist they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. Mouthguards can be custom-fitted by a dentist or purchased over-the-counter, with some designed to fit over orthodontic braces.

Remember to:

• Rinse After Use: Rinse the mouthguard after each use.
• Regular Disinfection: Disinfect the mouthguard regularly.
• Proper Storage: Store it in a ventilated container.

Use Caution with Braces

Teens with braces need to be particularly diligent about their oral care.

Here’s how you can help:

• Oral Hygiene Tools: Keep new toothbrushes or brush heads, plus floss and a floss threader, handy.
• Dietary Restrictions: Avoid sticky or crunchy foods and chewing gum. Instead, prepare healthy snacks like bite-sized fruit pieces with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh.

Avoid Oral Piercings

While tongue and lip piercings may be trendy, they can cause significant dental issues. The metal in piercings can damage teeth and cause mouth infections.

Tongue piercings, in particular, can easily chip teeth, leading to:

• Tooth Fractures: These may require fillings or, if severe, tooth extraction or root canal treatment.

Make Good Oral Health Easy

Encourage your teen to practice good oral hygiene by:

• Brushing and Flossing: Reward regular brushing and proper flossing.
• On-the-Go Care: Keep extra oral care kits in their gym bag, the car, and their school locker.
• Post-Meal Habits: Suggest swishing and rinsing after meals until they can brush.

Like adults, teens should visit their dentist at least twice a year. Adolescents and teens often feel self-conscious, and having an attractive smile and fresh breath can be powerful motivators for maintaining proper oral hygiene.

For personalized advice and to schedule a check-up, contact Superteeth Pediatric Dentistry, your trusted Pediatric Dentist in Miami. We are dedicated to supporting your teen’s oral health journey.