Good oral hygiene is essential at any age, but it’s especially crucial for teenagers. Not only do teeth need to be clean and healthy for a confident smile, but they also play a vital role in overall health. Here are some tips on dental care for teenagers that will help them keep their teeth and overall health in check.
How to have clean teeth?
- Brush your teeth: Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. You should also make sure to brush your tongue and gums while you’re at it.
- Floss: Flossing is essential for good dental hygiene, especially for teenagers. It will remove plaque buildup between the teeth that brushing can’t reach. Even if your teen doesn’t currently have braces, flossing will help keep them free of any food particles that might otherwise get stuck and lead to tooth decay.
- Rinse: After brushing and flossing, your teenager should rinse their mouth out with a fluoride rinse. This is especially important for braces because it will help keep them free of bacteria that can lead to gum infection or tooth decay.
How often do you need to go to the dentist?
Every six months, your teen should visit their dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning. This will allow your teenager’s dentist to check for decay, cavities, gum disease, and other issues that may require attention before they become serious problems.
During the six-month exams, your teen’s dental health specialist will also be able to inform them of how their oral health is changing or evolving. This way, your teen can adjust their brushing and flossing routine accordingly before any issues start to arise. If necessary, they can also demonstrate new products for you to buy, which might be helpful in the fight against tartar buildup.
What are the good habits of dental hygiene?
While most teenagers know that it is essential to brush and floss, they know the best way to do these things. Patients should be taught how to brush correctly. Most importantly, they need to learn that it is necessary to brush their tongue and the surfaces of their teeth.
It is also essential to understand the benefits of flossing. Most people have heard of flossing but may not know why it is so beneficial for keeping teeth clean. Doctors should explain that floss will remove food stuck between teeth that brushing would otherwise miss. This food can then become trapped and lead to tooth decay.
What are the bad habits of dental hygiene?
While most young adults understand that they need to brush and floss their teeth, not all know how often they should be doing this. Many will find themselves neglecting their teeth for days at a time, leading to increased tartar buildup, tooth decay, and other problems.
Some people might also be engaging in bad habits regarding their tooth brushing. For example, many will brush their teeth for short periods, which does not adequately clean their mouth. Teens should be told that they need to spend at least two minutes brushing all parts of their mouth.
What are the best practices if something goes wrong?
If your teenager has a bad habit or is neglecting their dental hygiene, you should try to get them in to see their dentist as quickly as possible. Many issues can be resolved with professional help and advice from the doctor.
In cases of tooth decay or gum disease, more severe steps may need to be taken to resolve the issues. In many cases, a teen may not have the necessary funds for this kind of treatment and will need financial help from their parents.
How can you ensure that your teen is doing it right?
If your teen doesn’t know how to brush or floss properly, they should be taught. Make sure to brush your teeth with them each night and show them how you floss. This will give them the best chance to learn good habits for their daily routine, which they can then pass on as they grow older.
If your teen is not practicing proper dental care, you should try to engage with them and ask what they think they are doing wrong. Once you have identified their mistakes, you can help them see the right way of doing it and improve their daily routine. You can take them to your dentist to get professional advice if necessary.
It’s natural for teenagers to feel self-conscious about their teeth, but it shouldn’t prevent them from taking care of them. If you are a teenager or know one who is struggling with dental hygiene, here are some resources that may be helpful in your search for solutions. We want everyone to have healthy smiles!