Dentistry Guide for Teens

Many parents find that teenagers become less vigilant about maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine as they grow older. Teens tend to eat more sugary snacks and drink more soda than younger children do, so it is especially important that they brush and floss regularly. Furthermore, many teenagers keep irregular schedules, and may not be as dedicated to regular brushing and flossing as younger children or adults.

This lack of brushing may lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay requiring root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or a host of other serious issues. It is important, therefore, that parents of teenagers and the dental professionals with whom these teens meet work to educate them as to why oral hygiene is important and the best ways to safeguard the health of one's teeth and gums.

Orthodontic Treatment for Teens

Many teenagers undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth, properly align the jaw, and/or to correct any bite abnormalities. While orthodontic care for teenagers is very common in the United States, many self-conscious teenagers dread the prospect of a "brace face".

Fortunately, advanced technology in the form of invisible braces such as the Invisalign® system and natural-looking porcelain veneers enable patients to correct the appearance of teeth relatively discreetly. If you have a teenager who you believe may benefit from orthodontic treatment, you can use the DocShop registry to find a highly qualified orthodontist in your area. A good orthodontist will work with you and your teen to develop a treatment plan to keep everybody smiling.

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Teenagers

The wisdom teeth typically begin to come in between the ages of 17 and 25, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. If the wisdom teeth are not extracted before they grow in, they can affect the placement of other teeth and cause crowding. Further, as the wisdom teeth come in, the roots become longer and make the removal process more complicated.

In order to maintain alignment of the teeth and avoid wisdom teeth impaction, dentists recommend that teens have their wisdom teeth removed before they have a chance to grow in. Indeed, some teenagers have their wisdom teeth extracted by the age of 13 or 14. It is important that teenagers undergo a dental exam and have X-rays of their wisdom teeth taken; a dentist can help teens and their parents decide if and when wisdom teeth should be removed.

Contact a DocShop Dentist near You

As children grow into teens, it is important that they maintain a regular oral hygiene routine that will ensure healthy teeth and gums into adulthood. A highly qualified DocShop dentist can work with teens and their families to help develop good brushing and flossing habits, recommend potential orthodontic treatment, and evaluate wisdom teeth. Use DocShop to find an experienced family dentist in your area.