4 Common Oral Health Challenges for Teenagers

Life as a teenager is all about discovery and molding themselves into the people they want to be. This can come with a variety of challenges ranging from school, to their social life, to extracurricular activities. What many people don’t think about is the unique oral health challenges that teenagers face. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common and help you can help your teen set their smile up for success!

Tooth Decay

When you have a busy schedule of going to school and activities in the evening, it can be easy to reach for sugary and starchy snacks to stay afloat. While an occasional treat doesn’t usually do much harm, indulging in them too often can result in enamel erosion and tooth decay. If your teen isn’t using excellent brushing techniques, this can be sped up even more! You can help them to prevent this by scheduling them for routine cleanings and checkups as well as reducing the number of sugary drinks, like soda, you stock up on. If your teen wants the crisp bite of a soft drink, a sparkling water is a better option.

Gum Disease

If your teen isn’t being thorough with their oral hygiene routine, they may develop gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of gum disease that comes with symptoms like red, swollen gums that easily bleed. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to bigger oral health issues as they get older. They can avoid this by brushing and flossing regularly as well as keeping up with routine cleanings and checkups. They should also avoid using tobacco products, as smoking increases their risk of gum disease.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth usually erupt during the late teen years, but most people don’t have enough space in their mouth to accommodate them. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can result in pain, swelling, and infections. During regular dental checkups, their dentist will monitor wisdom tooth development and determine if they need to be extracted.

Misalignment Issues

Many teens end up needing orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth or bite issues. This is the perfect time to do so because their jawbone hasn’t completely finished developing, leaving some extra wiggle room for orthodontic treatment to take effect quickly.

Teens have all sorts of unique challenges to work through, including with their smile. By encouraging healthy oral hygiene habits and keeping them on track with regular dental visits, you can help them maintain a healthy, happy smile!

About the Practice

At Kids Dentist, we have a team of skilled pediatric dentists serving children and teens of all ages in the Grayslake community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit our website or call (847) 223-1400.