13-19 Years

As teens grow, their smiles change. Braces may be needed for alignment, and permanent teeth become more cavity-prone. Regular dental checkups every six months, along with good oral hygiene, help maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Daily care:

• Brush twice a day and floss once a day.
• Limit sugary and starchy foods.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
• Reduce soft drink consumption.
• Avoid oral piercings.
• Keep a travel toothbrush in backpacks for on-the-go cleaning.

Common Teen Dental Concerns

Seal Out Decay

• Sealants are a clear or shaded plastic coating applied to the grooves of molars and premolars, protecting them from cavities. Since four out of five cavities in children occur in these areas, sealants provide an essential barrier against decay.

Dental Emergencies

Toothache: Rinse with warm water and floss to remove debris. Avoid aspirin on the tooth. Use a cold compress for swelling and visit a dentist.

Cut/Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek: Apply ice for bruising and gauze for bleeding. If bleeding persists for over 15 minutes, seek emergency care.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Handle by the crown, not the root. If possible, reinsert into the socket or store in milk/saliva and see a dentist immediately.

Fluoride: Too Much or Too Little?

Fluoride helps prevent cavities, but excess fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis (white or brown spots on teeth). Prevent this by:

• Using only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Supervising young children while brushing to prevent swallowing toothpaste.
• Checking fluoride levels in drinking water before using supplements.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Use a dentist-approved toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Approval. Avoid abrasive formulas that can wear down enamel. If your teen struggles to spit out toothpaste, consider a fluoride-free option.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding at night can wear down teeth. Stress, changes in school, or pressure changes in the inner ear may contribute. While most teens outgrow bruxism, excessive wear may require a night guard.

The Risks of Oral Piercings

While tongue and lip piercings may seem trendy, they pose serious risks, including:

• Chipped or cracked teeth.
• Infections from bacteria in the mouth.
• Swelling that can block airways.
• Nerve damage or excessive bleeding if a blood vessel is pierced.

The American Dental Association advises against oral piercings due to these risks.

Tobacco & Vaping: The Hidden Dangers

Tobacco and vaping harm oral and overall health. Smokeless tobacco (chew, snuff) is highly addictive and can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Signs of oral cancer include:

• Sores that don’t heal.
• White or red patches inside the mouth.
• Pain or numbness in the mouth or lips.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Avoiding tobacco and vaping prevents direct exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in the mouth, protecting your teen’s health.