It’s a universal truth that raising teenagers is hard; fortunately, practicing good dental care for teenagers isn’t nearly as proverbial difficult. The best way for a teenager to keep healthy teeth is simply by continuing good habits developed in early childhood. This includes brushing two times per day with an ADA approved toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help to prevent plaque from building up. Remove plaque from between teeth and beneath the gum line by flossing every day. These guidelines apply to teenagers whether they have braces or not. It’s also important to make regular visits to a certified dentist for check ups and cleanings.

The number one cause of gum disease and tooth decay is plaque. If allowed to build up, plaque will harden into a hard, yellow tartar that is unsightly and not good for your teeth. By simply removing plaque daily, teenagers can direct themselves away from this fate. Most teenagers will find that avoiding yellow tartar is viable incentive to brush their teeth.

So what does having good oral hygiene really mean? Good oral hygiene means that your mouth looks, smells, and feels healthy. This includes teeth that are clean, a mouth that is free of debris, gums that are pink, and an absence of pain or blood when brushing and flossing. Teenagers experiencing problems with any of these indicators should see a dentist to prevent lasting damage to gums and teeth.

Practicing a healthy oral hygiene routine is an exceptionally worthy investment, especially for a teenager. It keeps teeth alive and functional so that you can speak and eat properly. Having a hygienically well mouth also feels and looks good. It will prevent bad breath and keep teeth white and sparkly.

Keeping up with good hygiene habits is the very best way to keep a mouth healthy, clean, functional, and lasting. This includes daily preventive care, which is your basic brushing and flossing. The key to preventive care is stopping the problems before they become both painful and expensive. It’s also important have a well balanced diet and limit snacks, as well as rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash.

Teenagers can do bounds more to help keep their teeth alive and well besides proper brushing and flossing. Knowing what your own oral needs are is a key point. There are numerous factors that will change the personal needs of each individual teenager’s mouth. It depends on what a teenager eats on a regular basis, what type and amount of saliva he or she produces, his or her health, daily habits, and effectiveness and regularity of his or her hygiene routine.

There are some things teenagers can avoid to benefit their dental health. Sugary snacks are bad because they get stuck in and around teeth, especially sticky sweets like caramels. This provides fuel for bacteria, which is what plaque is made of. The acid that plaque produces will break down enamel at a tooth’s surface and may form a cavity. Chewing a sugarless gum or brushing your teeth after enjoying some sugary treats is a good way to avoid cavities. Using tobacco, smokeless or not, can cause things like gingivitis, oral cancer, and tooth decay. It also gives you bad breath and leaves stains on your teeth.

Changes in a teenager’s own mouth are much easier for him or her to notice than for the dentist to notice. While a dentist only reviews your mouth a few times per year, you have the opportunity to look inside of your mouth every day. Performing regular self-examinations will help teenagers stay aware of developing problems. Some concerning changes to look for include chipped teeth, discolored teeth, and lesions or sores in the cheek, tongue, or gums.