If you’re the parent of a teenager, you know they’re usually not very concerned about their oral health. From their perspective, there are too many other things they’d rather spend their time thinking about! But since their oral health in the teen years will affect their smile for the rest of their life, it’s important that they get dental care for the specific issues they face. In fact, you may not know your teen can see a pediatric dentist, but they actually receive special training to provide care for all kids up to age 18. Keep reading below to learn about some of the services your teen can get!
Preventive Care
When it comes to oral health, preventing problems is so much easier than treating them. And since teens don’t always do the best with brushing and flossing, preventive care is especially important for them.
In addition to checkups and cleanings, a dentist for teens also provides sealants and fluoride treatments, which are both excellent for cavity prevention.
How do they work? Sealants are thin, durable coatings placed over the microscopic pits and grooves on the back teeth. Even good brushing habits can’t stop cavity-causing bacteria from getting into these areas, but sealants will prevent that and protect these teeth from decay.
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens the enamel and makes it extra hard and tough. Professional fluoride treatments every 6 months are a great way to help your teen’s teeth stay cavity-free.
Nightguards and Athletic Guards
You may think of clenching and grinding only as an adult problem, but plenty of teens do it as well. Over time, this can lead to cracks, fractured teeth, and other issues. Fortunately, a custom-made nightguard will protect the teeth from this damage.
Also, if your teen plays school or recreational sports, an athletic guard is one of the best ways to prevent serious injuries such as knocked-out teeth.
Extractions
Extractions are only done when they’re truly necessary to improve or maintain oral health. The most common example is wisdom teeth, which usually come in during the teen years. Here are some other reasons your teen may need an extraction:
- If your child’s teeth are badly crowded, they may need extractions to create more room before getting braces.
- If a tooth has a severe cavity and can’t be saved.
- If a tooth has been badly damaged by an injury or trauma.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Despite our best efforts, teens can still get the occasional cavity, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have to get a “silver” or amalgam filling. Many teens are self-conscious of their appearance, and tooth-colored fillings not only look great, but also do a better job of restoring teeth.
The teen years are an exciting time that’s also filled with a few challenges. But, with regular dental care that’s tailored just to teens, oral health problems don’t have to be one of them!
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a pediatric dentist who loves working with both kids and teens. Her goal is to help her teenage patients establish good habits and a healthy smile to carry them into adulthood with great oral health. If you have any questions about dental care for teens, she can be contacted via her website.