This post from Vanguard Dental Group in Derry NH is for parents of teenagers. You may already have some concerns about your child’s well-being. As they grow toward independence, some make questionable choices when it comes to health.
Some teens skip meals, while others eat ramen noodles for lunch and dinner. Braces can hinder proper brushing. Eating disorders such as bulimia can quickly erode enamel and impair a smile.
Dental issues manifesting in the adolescent years can affect teeth for life. Let’s examine some critical dental issues for adolescents.
Wisdom Teeth
The third molars usually appear between late adolescence and the mid-twenties. Common wisdom teeth problems include bite misalignment, decay, gum disease, and damage to the nearby teeth. It is important to monitor wisdom teeth and follow our advice.
Eating Disorders
Parents who notice their adolescent abnormally preoccupied with body image and weight loss should be on the lookout for bulimia and anorexia. These serious disorders should not be ignored. Parents are advised to seek treatment immediately if they discover that their teen is binging and purging or intentionally restricting food.
Oral Health and Orthodontia
Braces can make proper brushing difficult. Toothbrushes and flossing devices that squirt water can help adolescents with braces clean their teeth and gums.
Sugar-Heavy Diet
Soda, juice, and energy drinks are becoming a beverage staple. While juice is definitely the healthiest choice of the three, it too is high in sugar; it can damage enamel just as effectively as a can of Coke. Water is the best drink for teeth, as well as calcium-rich milk, which leads us to our next section.
Inadequate Calcium Intake
Some teenagers who drank milk daily as kids curtail their consumption when they start eating meals away from home. This is unfortunate because calcium is just as crucial for youth as it is for younger children. For strong teeth and bones, encourage your teen to enjoy low-fat dairy products daily.
Sports Injuries
Athletics benefit youth in a number of ways but, unfortunately, also pose a threat to teeth. Make sure your teen wears a protective custom mouthguard when participating in any activity where a mouth injury can occur.
At Vanguard Dental Group in Derry NH, we encourage parents to be vigilant about the dental health of their teenagers. They grow up so fast! Our services include pediatric and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment for your teen, or for yourself, today.
Contact Vanguard Dental Group:
603-276-1000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
19D Manchester Rd Ste 3
Derry, New Hampshire
03038