Teenagers & Oral Care
There is evidence that demonstrates how dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene and a poor diet of junk food and sugary drinks. Children who maintain good oral health habits and diet up until the teen years are more likely to continue brushing and flossing and eating properly than children who were not taught proper oral care and diet.
Advice For Parents
Early diagnosis is important for manageable and successful treatment of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children receive a periodontal examination and caries risk assessment as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.
An important step in the fight against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child early. When your child is about a year old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing their teeth. However, only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
Serve as a good role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself and schedule regular dental visits for family check-ups, periodontal evaluations, and cleanings.
Check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth, and bad breath.
If your child currently has poor oral health habits, work with your child to change these now. It’s much easier to modify these habits in a child than in an adult. Since your child models behavior after you, it follows that you should serve as a positive role model in your oral hygiene habits. A healthy smile, good breath, and strong teeth all contribute to a young person’s sense of personal appearance, as well as confidence and self-esteem.
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