Teenage years are a phase of growth and exploration, and this is when your habits begin to form.
But in the grind of school, social life, and outside activities, dental hygiene often falls by the wayside.
Did you know that the oral hygiene habits you build now could set you up for healthy teeth throughout your lifetime?
The task of maintaining your smile doesn’t have to be daunting or lengthy.
You just need to be consistent with your routine to ensure good oral health.
Let’s discuss how teens can make sure they’re prioritizing their dental care.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing are vital for how well your teeth look and function.
Teenagers should try to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Be sure to brush every surface of each tooth, including those back molars.
So, make sure you set aside at least two minutes for brushing your teeth; that is the minimum time required to clean and protect your teeth.
Flossing is as important as brushing because flossing removes plaque and food from between the teeth and along the gumline — places your toothbrush won’t be able to reach.
If traditional floss proves awkward, there are also easy-to-use alternatives, like floss picks and water flossers, that work great for busy teens.
Doing these habits will go a long way to protect your smile.
Choose Orthodontics For Better Confidence
Cleaning properly aligned teeth is easier with regular brushing and flossing.
This decreases the risk of cavities or gum disease.
Conversely, crooked or crowded teeth can form tight spaces where food and plaque can get stuck, making it more likely that dental problems can develop with the passage of time.
Orthodontic treatment can remedy these issues.
These days, many teens are opting for clear and comfortable Invisalign aligners to straighten their teeth.
In contrast to metal brackets, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, so you can smile confidently from start to finish.
Moreover, they’re removable, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your regular brushing and flossing routine.
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, straight teeth aid in maintaining good oral health for a long duration.
Eat Smart
Feeling drawn to sugary sodas and sweets?
While they may delight your taste buds, they can be detrimental to your teeth.
The sugar in these treats becomes food for bad bacteria hiding in your mouth.
The result?
A chemical assault on your tooth enamel — the hard, protective shield over your teeth — puts you at risk of cavities.
Replace those snacks with healthier foods.
Crisp apples, crunchy carrots, and juicy celery can help brush your teeth as they increase saliva production. This balances out nasty acids.
And don’t forget dairy!
Calcium-rich superfoods like milk, cheese, and yogurt strengthen your enamel and keep it strong.
Accompany this with a good deal of water during your day to help rinse food away and keep your mouth fresh and moist.
Your smile will be grateful for it!
Sports Activities: Protecting Your Teeth
If you’re involved in sports, safeguarding your teeth is non-negotiable.
Contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey are common contributors to dental injuries.
Wear a mouthguard — a straightforward measure to protect your smile.
Mouthguards will absorb that impact and help prevent chipped or broken teeth.
The best option is a custom-fitted mouthguard, as they are molded to fit your teeth and offer you the best comfort and protection.
If you play sports frequently, ask your dentist about getting one.
Be sure to clean your mouthguard thoroughly after every use to avoid bacterial growth.
Keep it stored in a ventilated case so it stays dry and clean.
Never Miss Your Dentist Visits
One of the most important steps you can take is to schedule regular dental checkups.
Though this may not seem important, it allows your dentist to identify small issues, like cavities or inflamed gums, before they evolve into significant problems.
Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss.
Your dentist will also look for signs of oral health problems, like tooth decay and early-stage gum disease, and provide treatment if necessary.
These visits don’t take much time, and they really help maintain good dental and gum health.
Not to mention, they help you feel good that your smile is in good shape.
Most Common Problems with Your Teeth and What to Do
Most teens often experience dental issues such as cavities, foul breath, and sensitive teeth.
Cavities are caused by plaque and bacteria but are preventable with good brushing and flossing habits.
And, if you’re sensitive, that could be due to enamel erosion or gum problems — work with your dentist to determine the best solution.
Halitosis (bad breath) is another common problem.
This is often the result of poor oral hygiene.
You also can brush your tongue and drink plenty of water to counter this issue. And if the bad breath refuses to budge, visit your dentist to rule out any underlying issues.
Teens often worry about their wisdom teeth.
These are third molars that generally erupt in your late teens/early twenties and can cause a lot of pain.
A dentist can monitor their growth and recommend extraction if they create any complications or hazards to your oral health.
Technology That Will Make Dental Care Easier
There’s no excuse in the digital age for forgetting to brush or floss.
There are apps and tools to help you stay on track with your dental care routine.
Use apps that trigger reminders to brush or floss, or invest in an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to make sure you’re brushing for a good two minutes.
Some smart electric toothbrushes even connect to apps that track your brushing habits and offer feedback on any areas that you might be neglecting.
Such technology helps make incorporating oral care into your routine simple.
Preventing cavities as a teenager is important, but so is taking care of your teeth in a way that helps you build habits that stick.
By concentrating on straightforward steps like brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and seeing the dentist regularly, you’re creating a foundation for long-lasting oral health.
Your teeth are an investment, and the time you invest today caring for them will bring you confidence and health for decades to come.
