4 Dental Tips For Teens by Dentists
Everyone is susceptible to various periodontal diseases, that includes children and teens. Once your child enters their teenage years, they start to indulge in habits that can be detrimental to their teeth. Sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks can cause severe damage to a teenager’s chance.
Thus, it is important to be aware of the various periodontal diseases that can affect your child during their teenage years. Our Icard & Strein pediatric and teenage dentists will explain these diseases and share a few tips to care for your teen’s teeth.
Types of Dental Diseases
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums that may be caused by plaque accumulation. Plaque is a slimy film of germs that constantly forms on teeth. If left untreated, plaque might harden and progress to tartar. Tartar is a yellow or brown deposit that can only be removed professionally by a dentist.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis. It occurs when the gums and bones around the teeth become infected. The infection can cause the gums to pull away from teeth, form deep pockets, and eventually cause tooth loss. Periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be controlled with proper oral hygiene and treatment from a dental professional.
- Aggressive Periodontitis: Aggressive periodontitis is a more severe form of periodontitis. It occurs when the gums and bones around the teeth are severely damaged. The damage can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Aggressive periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be controlled with proper oral hygiene and treatment from a dental professional.
- Necrotizing Periodontal Disease: Necrotizing periodontal disease is a rare but severe form of periodontal disease. It occurs when the tissue around the teeth becomes infected and starts to die. Necrotizing periodontal disease can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment from a dental professional.
- Gingival Recession: Gingival recession is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth. This can be caused by plaque build-up, brushing too hard, or wearing ill-fitting dental appliances. Gingival recession can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities. It can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and treatment from a dental professional.
- Gingival Enlargement: Gingival enlargement is when the gums start to swell. This can be caused by plaque build-up, certain medications, or hormonal changes. Gingival enlargement can lead to gingival recession and tooth loss.
- Gingival Abrasion: Gingival abrasion is when the gums are scraped away by something abrasive. This can be caused by brushing too hard, using harsh toothpaste, or wearing ill-fitting dental appliances.
Teenage Dentistry Tips
Get Regular Cleanings and X-rays
You must visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings. The checkups will help you detect any underlying tooth decay, gum diseases, or other health concerns. X-rays can be utilized to spot discomfort caused by wisdom teeth before the discomfort even happens.
Take Care of the Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth develop behind the molars during the adolescent years. Wisdom teeth are at risk of developing unevenly, injuring surrounding teeth, and causing oral infections if they aren’t properly cared for. If your teen’s dental x-ray reveals wisdom teeth will be a problem, schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon to have them removed.
Encourage them to Wear Mouth Guards During Sports
Sports injuries are common in teens in their school years. Sports like soccer, basketball, and cricket can cause dental damage. Chipped or fractured teeth might be difficult to repair, and cracked teeth may lead to infections if left unchecked. To decrease the chance of dental injuries, urge your youngster to wear a mouthpiece when engaged in dangerous sports.
Look for Gum Diseases
Gum disease may be hereditary and teenagers genetically vulnerable to it typically begin displaying signs in their adolescent years. If your teenager has inflamed, red, or sensitive gums, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to learn about gum disease treatment options.
Carolina Pediatric Dentistry
Take care of your teen’s dental health by following these tips and establishing a good oral care routine. For medical help and checkups, feel free to contact Icard & Strein Family Dentistry.
Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office
To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.
