Teen Oral Health 101: Tips for a Healthy, Happy Smile
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
A healthy smile boosts self-esteem and sets the foundation for a lifetime of good habits. The teenage years are the perfect time to reinforce positive oral hygiene routines that will protect their teeth and gums well into adulthood.
In this blog, we will explore practical tips to keep your teen’s smile healthy.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Encourage good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Teach your teen about oral hygiene and why it is so important. Explain that neglecting oral hygiene will lead to future problems that will cost YOU money to fix. With your support and regular dental checkups, your teen will be set for a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy habits!
Puberty and Oral Health
Puberty impacts your teen’s mouth just as it affects the rest of their body. Hormonal changes can increase their risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
How puberty affects oral health
- Gum disease: Hormones during puberty can cause increased gum sensitivity and inflammation, which can make your teen more susceptible to gum disease. This is why brushing and flossing are even more important during these years.
- Bad breath: Rising bacteria levels can lead to persistent bad breath, especially if your teen skips brushing or forgets to brush their tongue.
- Tooth sensitivity: Changes in the gums can sometimes expose more tooth surfaces, increasing sensitivity.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Your Teen
Teach your teen to properly brush their teeth and follow a daily routine. It is the foundation of good dental health! Here is how you can guide them to ensure they are brushing effectively.
How to Properly Brush Teeth
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, ensuring they cover all surfaces—front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Angle the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line to remove plaque.
- Encourage brushing their tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Use fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel.
Flossing and Rinsing
- Ensure your teen flosses at least once a day to remove food particles between teeth.
- Consider adding a fluoride mouthwash to their routine to provide an extra level of protection against tooth decay and gum disease.
Healthy Eating for Strong Teeth
A balanced diet can make a big difference in your teen’s dental health. There are specific vitamins keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Foods that promote a healthy smile
- Dairy products like milk and cheese are rich in calcium, which helps strengthen teeth.
- Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins that support gum health.
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help clean teeth naturally and stimulate saliva production.
Foods to avoid
- Sugary snacks and drinks like candy, soda, and energy drinks can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
- Starchy foods like potato chips can stick to teeth, creating a breeding ground for plaque.
Encourage your teen to drink plain water and snack on healthy foods like nuts, fruits, and vegetables to support their overall oral health.
FAQs About Teen Oral Health
Skipping a week of brushing allows plaque and bacteria to build up, leading to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It will also lead to some pretty bad breath. Remind your teen that skipping brushing for even a few days can lead to serious issues down the road.
Brushing three times a day is not harmful as long as you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and do not brush too hard. Brushing after every meal is a great way to keep bacteria at bay! However, if you use too much pressure or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you risk damaging your gums and tooth enamel.
Flossing once a day is sufficient for most people. However, if your teen wears braces or has tight spaces between their teeth, flossing twice daily may help prevent tooth decay and gum issues. That being said, if you like to floss more than once a day-go ahead! Flossing more than once a day certainly will not do any harm if you are doing it correctly.
Fluoride toothpaste, a balanced diet rich in calcium, and plain water instead of sugary drinks, will help keep teeth strong.
If your teen is brushing regularly but is still experiencing bad breath, this could be a sign of a bacterial infection in their mouth. If a dentist has ruled out an infection, the bad breath could be related to another problem such as acid reflux. Book an appointment with a healthcare professional for a detailed workup.
Why Professional Cleanings and Checkups Matter
Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining your teen’s oral health.
Even with good brushing and flossing habits, professional cleanings can remove plaque that is hard to reach. Routine dental checkups also allow your dentist to catch problems before they become serious.Your teen should visit the dentist every six months. If they plays sports, ask about a custom sports mouth guard to protect their teeth from fractures and other injuries. A dentist can also help answer any concerns about wisdom teeth as they start to emerge.
When To Expect Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause crowding and pain and may require removal. Your pediatric dentist will monitor their growth and determine if/when they need to be extracted.
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry: Supporting You & Your Teen
We are committed to helping your teen establish a solid oral hygiene routine. We love to watch our patients grow and love to see a teen that takes great care of their teeth! To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, TX, call (214) 618-5200 or complete the online contact form. If you are in the area, stop in and say hello! We are located at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX 75034.