Encouraging Lifelong Dental Care Habits in Your Teen

Just as in childhood, teens need a little guidance when it comes to establishing a healthy dental care routine. Their busy schedules and, in some cases, orthodontics, require a unique focus on certain dental care habits. As a parent, you can help encourage your teen to care for their teeth by promoting habits that impact their oral hygiene. Everything from basic brushing and flossing to routine visits to your family dentistry expert, and even to what your teen eats and drinks can impact oral health. Use these tips to keep your teen’s teeth and gums healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

The Importance of a Daily Dental Care Routine

A daily dental care routine is essential to long-term oral health, which means it’s important to emphasize dental care habits with your teenager. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day can prevent tooth decay and gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth.

Orthodontics generally require that teens brush their teeth after every meal, as food can get more easily lodged in various areas of the teeth and braces, raising the risk of plaque and debris that cling to teeth. If your teen wears braces, special flosses may be necessary to assist them in cleaning around the wires and brackets. Additionally, travel toothbrushes and toothpastes can easily be stowed in your teen’s locker or backpack to help them conveniently care for their teeth during the school day.

Equally important to maintaining optimal dental health are routine visits to an affordable dentist. Make it a priority to help your teenager schedule their dental care appointments around school and activities. Aside from instilling a healthy habit, this will also help ensure that any problems are caught early and can be effectively treated.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet

Carbohydrate- and sugar-rich foods are often mainstays of a teenager’s diet. Much like excess sugar and starchy carbohydrates can impact overall health and weight, it can also create an ideal environment for plaque to thrive. You can help your teen avoid the perils of eating too much junk food by encouraging healthy snacks, such as vegetables and fruits. These food choices are rich in antioxidants that can help protect the teeth and encourage saliva production that helps further reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Also, the teen years are when people are most at risk for developing eating disorders. Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, not only significantly harm your teen’s overall health, but the impact to oral health is often dramatic. Ensure that your teen eats a nutritious diet, explaining the many ways a healthy diet can enrich their well-being.

Encourage your teenager to tell their dental care team if they have any questions or concerns regarding their dental health. A compassionate family dentistry professional can offer solutions specific to your teen’s needs and lifestyle.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Owings Mills, call Valley Dental Associates today at (443) 898-1240 or make an appointment.