Threats to your Teenager’s Teeth
May 9, 2019 Image Credit:Here at Kuhni Orthodontics, we know that it can take a lot of work to grow a healthy and beautiful adult smile. The best way for parents and teenagers to help maintain healthy teeth is to know of the main threats to teen teeth and how to avoid these issues.
Threats To Teen Teeth
Below are three of the most common threats to your teenager’s dental health:- Dental Cavities – Cavities are the most common disease affecting teenagers and kids in the United States. In addition, dental cavities are almost completely preventable! It’s possible to decrease your teen’s odds of developing a cavity by teaching him or her to limit sugar intake, eat more vegetables and fruits, brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, and floss every day. Additionally, your teen should be visiting his or her general dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup.
- Sports Injuries – According to information from the CDC, around 3 million teeth are knocked out annually at youth sporting events! Mouth guards are recommended for any child or teen who participates in sports or other activities where a blow to the mouth may occur. Not only will mouth guards prevent dental damage, but they will also decrease the odds of a concussion.
- Smoking and Vaping – Tobacco has the ability to cause extreme damage to both the body and oral health. The use of tobacco has been linked to periodontal disease, bad breath, stained teeth, delayed healing, and many types of cancer including lung cancer, oral cancer, and throat cancer. Unfortunately, the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers is on the rise, and both are terrible for teeth. Please make sure to talk to your teenager about tobacco use and we encourage parents to quit the use of tobacco, which can serve as a great example to kids.