This is one of the busiest times of your life! Balancing school, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs, and trying to maintain a social life is not for the faint of heart. Because of the hectic pace of the teen years, it’s easy to let certain simple daily tasks fall by the wayside. However, skimping on oral hygiene is not a mistake you want to make. Making the health of your mouth a priority is essential to both your long-term oral health–and your body’s overall health. Teens, follow these simple tips to ensure your mouth is in tip-top shape for the long haul:
Brush, brush, brush. If you’re like most people, your childhood probably consisted of various reminders to brush your teeth before bed. As a teenager with a bit more freedom, it can be tempting to skip this bedtime routine, reasoning that you’ll brush in the morning instead. However, in order to keep your mouth healthy, it’s essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Just brushing isn’t enough, however; it’s important to make sure you’re brushing correctly. Most dentists agree that soft bristle toothbrushes are best. Additionally, the time you devote to brushing is key. A full two minutes (at least!) is necessary to get the most out of your brushing.
Get out the floss! Regardless of what your friends tell you, flossing is most definitely not an outdated practice. In fact, flossing is imperative to your oral health. Even if you brush your teeth twice daily without fail, there are areas in your mouth that your toothbrush simply can’t reach–particularly in between your teeth. Without regular flossing, plaque develops in these hard-to-reach areas, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is common in teens. How often should you floss? The general consensus is at least once a day.
Nutrition matters, too. So, you’re brushing twice daily, flossing nightly, and pretty much feeling like an oral health rockstar. Did you know, however, that your food and drink choices also play a role in the health of your mouth? Indulging frequently in sugary treats–or washing your meals down with sugar-loaded sodas–is likely to lead to cavities. Why? Well, the bacteria in your mouth digests the sugar and produces acid, which in turn weakens the protective enamel. Of course, sugar is okay in moderation, but it’s best to avoid it right before bedtime. Additionally, sugary treats that dissolve slowly in your mouth–think hard candies and breath mints–are particularly damaging because of the amount of time it takes to eat them. When you do indulge your sweet tooth, make an effort to brush your teeth afterward–or at least rinse your mouth out with water.
Protection is key. Everyone knows that mouthguards are recommended for high-contact sports like rugby, football, hockey, and lacrosse. However, the American Dental Association recommends mouthguard use for many additional sports and activities, including skateboarding and snowboarding. Mouthguards can prevent a variety of mouth injuries, from chipped or broken teeth to jaw fractures, root damage, and bone loss. Simply put: it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting those pearly whites. Ask your dentist what type of mouthguard is right for you.
While implementing these four tips will definitely lead you in the direction of oral health bliss, there’s one final–and absolutely crucial–step in the process. Make time in your busy schedule to visit your dentist twice a year for preventative check-ups. Your dentist can answer any questions you might have, make recommendations, and provide necessary treatments to ensure that you have many years of healthy smiles ahead of you.
Schedule your appointment with RVA Pediatric Dentistry today by visiting us online!