Teeth & Teenagers
From childhood - to transitioning into a teenager - all the way to adulthood- we’re here for you.
As you and your teenager navigate each next chapter in life, it’s important to empower your teen with the knowledge and skills to start taking their health and wellness into their own hands. In this phase in life, you and your teen may have questions about braces, wisdom tooth removal, athletic mouthguards, diet, brushing habits, and more. Let’s work together to ensure your teen is as healthy and confident as possible. Don’t let your teen’s habits become “out of sight, out of mind.” Remember, the habits they develop as a teenager will carry them into their 20’s, so be sure they are set up for success. Below, you will find the tools you’ll need to prepare your teen to take on more independence within their oral hygiene habits.
Mouth Guards
Whether your teen plays sports, grinds their teeth at night, or has other dental needs, we may recommend a guard to protect their teeth. Some teens develop signs of clenching, grinding, and TMJ disorders. For these situations, we recommend one of several different types of mouthguards to be worn during sleep. These are custom-fitted, can serve as a retainer, and are often clear in color. Sports guards are thicker and designed to be worn to prevent injury such as knocking a tooth out or breaking a tooth. We can make sports guards with colors and even logos of your choice. Call us today for a consultation to find the right guard for you.
Orthodontics/Braces
Many teens consider having their teeth straightened for reasons including looks, making crowded teeth easier to clean, improving the bite, preventing or improving TMJ disorders, tooth pain, and uneven wear. Some children require orthodontic treatment as early as 6-8 years old to modify growth patterns, whereas others start after 13 years old. Treatment options include clear Invisalign style aligners, traditional braces, or even white braces that blend with the teeth. We are happy to discuss your options and needs with you and your child.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the furthest back in the mouth, typically very hard to clean, and typically get cavities easily. Wisdom teeth can also cause crowding, jaw pain issues, and damage to the next door molars if they erupt in unusual angles or ways. Depending on the way your teen’s wisdom teeth have developed, we may consider removing some or all 4 of them. Often, wisdom teeth can easily be removed in our office with localized numbing. However, sometimes we will send your teen to an oral surgeon for removal- especially if there is a preference for sedation. Call us today for a consultation.
Creating Confidence
It is normal for your teen to become concerned about how they look and smell, including their breath. However, teens can become lazy in their oral hygiene habits as their blooming social life becomes more of a priority. We encourage healthy habits such as twice per day brushing and daily flossing to prevent bad breath and decay. Sometimes things like tonsil stones or even post-nasal drip can cause bad breath even if your teen has good hygiene habits. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist or hygienist for recommendations/tips to help.