Ottawa dentists have noticed that teen patients often need special dental care advice to their specific lifestyle. Here are five dental care tips specifically designed to meet all of your teen’s needs:
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is a simple and effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthier. Food particles can easily get stuck in between the gumline, and by drinking more water throughout the day, you can help to flush and rinse them away. Keeping hydrated also helps your mouth produce more saliva, which is another important factor for maintaining a healthy mouth and fresher breath. Try to aim to get in at least two litres of water a day. Using a reusable 1-litre water bottle will help your teen keep track of how much they’re drinking.
Avoid Biting Nails
Does your teen tend to bite their nails often? This is a common habit that many people have when they are anxious or stressed out. Biting nails may seem harmless, but it can eventually cause teeth to shift out of place, requiring braces to fix. It can also damage the enamel, cause chips and breaks, and even lead to infections. To avoid biting nails, wearing nail polish and simply paying attention each time you or your teen bites their nails can help to break the habit and eventually stop it.
Avoid Chewing Pencils
Another typical habit found among teens is chewing on pencils during class. Similar to biting nails, this can also lead to damaged teeth, requiring braces or a retainer to correct. Switch to pens whenever possible to avoid the temptation to chew.
Wear Mouthguards When Necessary
Does your teen participate in sports? If they play any contact sports or enjoy active hobbies like skateboarding or snowboarding, wearing a mouthguard is important. Mouthguards are the best line of defence for teeth when playing anything that involves physical contact with other players or hard surfaces. Without it, your teen could be susceptible to severe damage, including broken teeth, cracks, bone damage, and complete tooth loss. You can talk to your dentist about getting your teen fitted with a custom mouth guard that will keep their smile well protected.
Tooth Grinding
During this stage of life, teens can endure quite a bit of stress. Too much stress can eventually lead to tooth grinding, also known as bruxism. This can wear down the teeth and cause painful sensations in the jaw. In severe cases, temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) can occur, making it painful and challenging to open and close the mouth. Talk to your dentist for recommendations if your teen is grinding their teeth at night.
Teens can make lifestyle choices that will affect their dental health. Ottawa dentists suggest these tips to help keep teeth and gums healthy and breath fresh. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your teen and yourself.
