Being a teenager is tough, especially when it comes to dental and oral health. To help explain what teenagers should be watching out for, Dr. Stuart Rimes shares a bit of wisdom. Nationally certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics, Rimes is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American College of Prosthodontists, the Texas Dental Association, and the Greater Houston Dental Society. He has his own practice in Sugar Land, Texas.
Teenagers have a lot of stuff to worry about. But when it comes to their dental check ups, they really should have their overall oral health and hygiene figured out by now.
By the time your child is a teenager, he really should not be getting cavities often. And if your teenager is still getting cavities — or if his doctor is telling you that he’s finding cavities at each check up — then that usually means your teenager needs to improve his home dental care habits.
Aside from making sure that cavities are not a problem, though, the majority of dental concerns that teenagers should have center on prevention issues. Eating healthy foods that are low in sugar is one thing, for example, as that can help prevent dental problems in people of all ages — including teens.
Because a lot of teenagers are involved in sports, there are also issues regarding mouth guards that they should discuss with their dentists. Mainly, that the teen should be wearing a mouth guard when he plays any contact sports.
I see lots of teens coming in for teeth whitening, and that is definitely okay for someone their age. My only caution as far as laser whitening or bleaching is concerned is that teens and their dentists choose a method that is not too intense or deep. But overall, bleaching is something that can be really effective for teenagers especially.
Like I said earlier, though, prevention is really the most critical part of oral health for teenagers. Teens needs to be taking care of their teeth and getting check ups every six months, so that when they are older they will not have any major damage or problems that started back when they were teens.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
