Teen Dental Concerns: Top Issues, Prevention Tips & When to See a Dentist
Are you worried about your teen’s teeth? Teens face special dental problems. Let’s look at the big issues and how to fix them!
What’s In This Guide:
- Common teen tooth problems
- How to stop cavities
- When to see a dentist
- Tips for good teeth care
Most Common Teen Dental Issues
Cavities & Tooth Decay
Cavities are holes in teeth. They hurt! 58% of teens (16-19 years) have cavities in their teeth. This is a big problem!
Why teens get more cavities:
- Drink lots of sugary drinks
- Forget to brush teeth
- Eat snacks all day
- Don’t floss enough
Quick tip: Put dental floss in your teen’s backpack! This helps them remember to floss at school.
Orthodontic Problems
Many teens wear braces or Invisalign®. These fix crooked teeth. But they need special care!
Common braces issues:
- Food gets stuck
- Wires poke gums
- Forgetting to wear retainers
Did you know? 23% of teens with braces get white spots on teeth. These are early signs of decay!
Need help with teen braces? Check out these orthodontic care tips for teens with braces or aligners.
Wisdom Teeth Concerns
Wisdom teeth come in when teens are 17-21 years old. These can cause big problems!
Signs of wisdom tooth trouble:
- Pain in back of mouth
- Swollen gums
- Face feels puffy
- Hard to open mouth
Most teens need wisdom teeth out. This stops teeth from getting crowded.
Gum Disease & Gingivitis
Red gums that bleed when brushing? That’s gingivitis! Teen hormones make this worse.
Early signs:
- Puffy gums
- Bad breath
- Gums bleed when brushing
- Red not pink gums
Without care, this can turn into worse gum disease. This can hurt teeth for life!
Dental Trauma
Teens who play sports get mouth injuries. In fact, 60% of sports dental injuries happen to teens who don’t wear mouth guards.
Common injuries:
- Chipped teeth
- Knocked out teeth
- Split lips
- Broken jaw
Must do: Get a custom sports mouth guard for any teen who plays sports!
Prevention Tips
Daily Hygiene Must-Dos
Good tooth care stops problems! Teens need to:
- Brush teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times a day
- Floss teeth once a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Rinse with water after snacks
Important rule: Never share toothbrushes! This can spread cavity germs from one person to another.
Diet Adjustments
What teens eat and drink affects their teeth!
Bad for teeth:
- Energy drinks (very acidic)
- Soda (lots of sugar)
- Sticky candy (sticks to teeth)
- Sour candy (very acidic)
Good for teeth:
- Water (best drink!)
- Cheese (helps teeth)
- Crunchy fruits and veggies
- Sugar-free gum with xylitol
Did you know? 44% of teens try to whiten teeth at home with things like baking soda. This can hurt their teeth!
Protective Gear
Mouth guards stop teeth from breaking during sports. They are must-haves for:
- Football
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Soccer
Teeth grinding at night? Get a night guard to protect teeth!
Regular Checkups
Teens need to see the dentist every 6 months. The dentist will:
- Clean teeth
- Check for cavities
- Take x-rays if needed
- Put on fluoride
- Check for wisdom teeth
Lifestyle Factors Impacting Teens
Vaping & Smoking
Vaping and smoking are very bad for teeth and gums!
Problems they cause:
- Yellow teeth
- Gum disease gets worse
- Bad breath
- Higher risk of mouth cancer
Teen who vapes? Tell them it hurts their smile and health!
Oral Piercings
Tongue and lip piercings can cause big dental problems!
Risks include:
- Chipped teeth
- Infections in mouth
- Nerve damage
- Gum problems
If your teen wants a piercing, talk to the dentist first!
DIY Whitening Dangers
Teens want white teeth! But home remedies can be dangerous.
Risky whitening methods:
- Charcoal toothpaste (too rough)
- Lemon juice (too acidic)
- Hydrogen peroxide (can burn gums)
For safe whitening, try custom dental whitening trays from a dentist.
When to See a Dentist Immediately
Some problems need a dentist right away!
Call the dentist when:
- Tooth pain that won’t stop
- Knocked out tooth
- Broken braces wire
- Swollen face or jaw
- Wisdom tooth pain with fever
Remember: A knocked-out tooth can be saved if you get to the dentist in 1 hour!
Teen Dental Concerns: Quick FAQ
Can teens use adult toothpaste?
Yes! Teens should use fluoride toothpaste made for adults.
How much does Invisalign cost for teens?
Invisalign® costs about $3,000 to $8,000. Many dental plans help pay.
Are electric toothbrushes better?
Yes! They clean better than regular brushes. Teens like them more too!
How often should teens replace retainers?
Retainers should last 2-3 years if kept clean. If they crack or don’t fit, get new ones!
Can braces fix all bite problems?
Most bite problems can be fixed with braces or Invisalign®. Some need more help from an orthodontist.
Summary: Keeping Teen Smiles Healthy
Teen years are key for dental health. Good habits now mean fewer problems later!
Most important tips:
- Brush and floss every day
- Wear mouth guards for sports
- Say no to vaping and smoking
- See the dentist twice a year
- Take care of braces and retainers
Remember: 1 in 4 teens skips brushing at night. Don’t be that one!
Need help with teen dental products? Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening options and protective gear for sports.
