Teens & Teeth: The Key Oral Health Chal­lenges From 13 – 19

Taking good care of your teeth as a child can set you up for improved oral health throughout your life. It can also help to avoid the next for restorative or cosmetic treatments later in life.

Another benefit of good oral health as a child is that the individual is much less likely to develop a fear of the dentist as they get older. This will help them to continue to visit the dentist on a regular basis well into adulthood.

In this guide, we’re looking at the importance of good oral health during childhood and how simple habits that are adopted during this time can set individuals up for a lifetime of improved oral health.

Oral health risks as a child

The mouth is changing a lot during childhood, and this can lead to a range of challenges and problems. First, the child will be losing their milk teeth and their adult teeth will be emerging. A common issue that children face is that they treat their milk teeth as “practice” teeth, and only develop good oral health habits once their adult teeth have emerged.

As the adult teeth emerge, there may be overcrowding or bite issues that need to be addressed. This could mean that the child needs to wear braces, and this will come with its own set of unique challenges.

Diet during childhood is more likely to contain sugar, starch and carbs, which can all be bad for oral health. Children are also more likely to be drawn to fizzy drinks, and once they reach their teenage years, they can often use their freedom and autonomy to indulge these interests.

Brushing habits may also be lax and they might still need encouragement from adults to remember to brush twice a day. While younger children might need help to brush correctly, teens might simply need to be reminded.

Teenagers are also more likely to take part in contact sports that puts them at risk of damage to the teeth. Children might need to be reminded to wear protective equipment like helmets, face masks and gum shields.

How can parents support children with their oral health?

The best thing a parent can do to support their child is to help them to develop good oral health habits that they can take into adulthood.

Children need to be reminded to brush twice a day and ensure that they are brushing correctly. Rushed routines or skipping brushing can have a detrimental impact on oral health.

They will also need to continue visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Children’s teeth are softer and more prone to decay, so issues can develop much more quickly. Regular dental checkups will also help to prevent dental phobias from developing. This will ensure that young people will continue visiting the dentist after they have left home and are responsible for their own checkups.

Another benefit of regular dental checkups is that your dentist can closely monitor how the adult teeth are emerging. If your child needs orthodontic treatment, they can act quickly and minimise treatment times. There’s also a much better chance of getting on the NHS waiting list in time to secure treatment.

Diet is another key area where children will need support, guidance, and limits. Sugary sweets should be limited during childhood and teens should be guided away from poor dietary choices. A simple way to reduce sugar is to simply not allow fizzy drinks into your home. This is a common cause of enamel erosion that can contribute to dental staining and decay.

And finally, children that take part in contact sports or more adventurous activities will need to be encouraged to wear the correct protective equipment. Losing adult teeth at a young age can be very damaging to their confidence and could lead to lifelong issues. Gum shields, face masks and full face helmets can help to prevent common injuries and protect your child’s long-term oral health.

If you’re looking for more guidance and support for your child or teen, book an appointment with The Dental Place Warwick team today.