Teens go through many changes during this time in their lives, emotionally and psychically, and their mouths are no exception. Developing healthy hygiene habits are essential during this time because the choices we make in our teen years can have a huge impact on us as adults.
Unfortunately, many teens don't care for their teeth the way they should. Recent studies show that 80% of tooth decay cases in the United States are found in teenagers. Given those statistics, it's no surprise that over 80% of teenagers have cavities by age 17. This is a time when many teens start to drink a lot of soda and consume excessive amounts of sweets. Sodas contain a ton of sugar, approximately 9 to 12 teaspoons just in a single 12 ounce can. Soda is also very acidic, which damages the teeth's enamel, this includes diet soda. Excessive consumption of the fizzy drink paired with poor hygiene habits lead to an increased amount of tooth decay in teens.
In addition to cutting back on the sugary drinks, Delta Dental offers a few suggestions to keep your teen's smile healthy:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes (about the length of a favorite song) and floss at least once daily
- Visit a dentist regularly for professional cleanings and preventive assessments
- Talk to a dentist about dental sealants to protect against cavities
- Include a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste in your gym bag, backpack or locker for use after meals or on-the-go
- Choose nutritious snacks and drinks that contain less sugar. Keep in mind it's not just what you put in your mouth that is important, but also how often you are snacking. Each time you eat or drink anything with sugar, it interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, bathing your teeth in acid for about 20 minutes
- Drink water after eating meals and snacks to clean the teeth of bacteria and food
- Avoid tobacco products and mouth jewelry or consider switching to non-metal jewelry
- Wear a mouth guard during sports activities
- If you have an eating disorder, tell your dentist so they can help you protect your teeth
- Choose mints or gum with xylitol, a natural cavity-fighting sweetener, as the first ingredient
- Check with your dentist before using tooth-whitening products
Dental care begins at a young age, placing responsibility on parents to teach good oral hygiene. Proper dental care should be maintained for a lifetime to prevent dental problems from developing. Professional treatment is an important part of dental care for children.
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