May 8, 2022

Teens, Use these 4 Oral Health Tips!

You’re in the midst of one of your busiest periods! Balancing school, extracurricular activities, part-time employment, and a social life is not easy. It’s easy to let routine daily duties fall by the wayside during the frantic pace of adolescence. You don’t want to make the mistake of neglecting oral hygiene. Making your dental health a priority is critical for both your long-term oral health and the general wellness of your body. Follow these simple oral health tips to keep your mouth in great condition over the long haul, teens:

Brush, brush, brush, brush, brush!

If you’re like most people, brushing your teeth before bed was undoubtedly a constant reminder throughout your youth. It can be tempting as a teenager with greater freedom to skip this bedtime practice, claiming that you’ll wash your teeth in the morning. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is necessary for maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing alone isn’t enough; you must brush appropriately as well. Soft bristle toothbrushes are recommended by most dentists. Also important is the amount of time you spend brushing. To get the most out of your brushing, you should spend at least two minutes on it.

Get your floss ready

Flossing is not an out-of-date practice, despite what your buddies may tell you. Flossing is, in fact, essential for good oral hygiene. Even if you wash your teeth twice a day, there are some parts of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach, especially in between your teeth. Plaque forms in these difficult-to-reach regions without frequent flossing, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is frequent among teenagers. Is it necessary to floss every day? At least once a day, according to most people.

Food is also important

So you’re brushing twice a day, flossing once a night, and feeling pretty good about your oral hygiene. However, did you realize that the foods and beverages you consume have an impact on your oral health? Cavities are more prone to develop if you eat sweet desserts frequently or drink sugary sodas with your meals. Why? The bacteria in your mouth breakdown the sugar and make acid, causing the protecting enamel to deteriorate. Sugar is fine in moderation, but it’s best to stay away from it shortly before bed. Furthermore, sugary foods that dissolve slowly in your mouth, such as hard candies and breath mints, are especially harmful because of the time it takes to consume them. When you have a sweet tooth, try to clean your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water afterward.

The importance of safety cannot be underestimated

Mouthguards are mandatory for high-contact sports such as rugby, football, hockey, and lacrosse, as everyone knows. Mouthguards are also recommended for many other sports and hobbies, including as skating and snowboarding, according to the American Dental Association. Mouthguards can help prevent everything from chipped or broken teeth to jaw fractures, root damage, and bone loss in the mouth. Simply put, when it comes to protecting your beautiful whites, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Inquire with your dentist about the best mouthguard for you.

While following these four oral health tips will undoubtedly lead to better dental health, there is one last–and crucial–step to take. Make time in your hectic schedule to see your dentist for preventative checkups twice a year. Your dentist can answer any concerns you have, provide recommendations, and perform required procedures to ensure you have many years of healthy smiling ahead of you.

Visit our website today to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist!