admin
May 26, 2025
Teenagers are known for their rebellious nature and adolescent mischief. Beneath the tough shell, they are young minds that are taking shape into mature adults. The age group of 13 to 19 is a transitional period when adolescents undergo physical and physiological changes.
They become more responsible and aware in this phase as they enjoy less control and more freedom. It helps them to develop their personalities and understand social norms and behaviours. Since they are dealing with a lot at home, school and college, they often neglect their oral health.
In their fast paced lives, they do not have the time to stick to the oral hygiene routines that were followed when they were younger. It can be challenging for parents to set strict dental cleaning routines because teenagers need privacy and their space.
However, health should not be compromised at any age, and there should be no excuse for skipping brushing and flossing. Here are a few effective dental hygiene tips for teens that can help prevent dental problems. These should be implemented in every household for perfect teeth and smiles.
1. Prioritise Dental Health At Home
The best way to make teenage children maintain oral hygiene is to set an example as parents. Kids follow their parents even when not told to do something as an order or rule. It comes naturally to do things that are routine at home since childhood.
It becomes a habit not affected by changing sleeping schedules or lifestyles. Adolescents may want more freedom, but parents must set the ground rules by prioritising health and safety.
They must be taught to brush twice and floss once daily to keep their mouth clean and bacteria free. Dentists in Hope Island also suggest brushing for at least two minutes to ensure proper cleaning. Setting a standard ingrained in the mind reduces the probability of neglect.
2. Communicate About Dental Problems
One of the reasons behind overlooking dental hygiene is the lack of awareness about dental problems. Many teens do not know the side effects of missing night brushing or flossing.
According to government stats, 40% and 57% of teenagers in Australia suffer from tooth decay or missing teeth. Cavities, gingivitis, and gum problems are the common dental issues affecting teenagers.
Since teens have developed permanent teeth, these problems can be serious and damaging. Parents must inform kids about the severity of these problems and how ignoring oral hygiene can lead to pain and expensive treatments.
In addition, the problem can keep growing and affect the individual's overall health. This knowledge will make the teens follow the oral care routine without fail.
3. Maintain A Healthy Family Diet
Teens love to eat junk food while out with friends or snacking at home. Consuming daily sodas, chocolates, candies, and cookies can make teeth vulnerable to cavities.
These sugary drinks and sticky foods can cause cavities despite brushing daily. Thus, every expert dentist in Hope Island recommends consuming healthy and homemade food.
They suggest snacking fresh, crunchy fruits and switching to healthy meals instead of starchy pizzas and burgers. A nutritious diet is good for teeth and the entire body.
4. Protect the Teeth of Sports Enthusiast Teens
Most teens are avid sports lovers and play one of the other sports at school or home. Many of these contact sports can lead to dental injuries if teeth are not protected.
Parents must ensure their kids wear mouthguards when playing sports like boxing, rugby, football, martial arts, hockey, etc. They safeguard the player’s teeth and surrounding tissues if they get hurt while playing. These are also helpful in preventing lip cuts due to falls.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Visiting a Hope Island dentist every six months must become a part of their lifestyle. They must be habituated to this routine since childhood. It ensures they do not feel dental anxiety and can get their teeth examined by a professional regularly.
Since teens are susceptible to developing dental problems because of their eating habits and neglect of oral hygiene, they should not miss these appointments. Parents can schedule family appointments to make it more interesting and club the check up with a fun outing or dine out.
6. Check on Teen Stress Levels
A large number of teenagers are experiencing stress and anxiety because of the pressure to excel at school and cyberbullying. It can be challenging for them to navigate these emotions at a young age, and the pent up anger and frustration can take a toll on their mental and physical health.
It can make them suffer from teeth grinding or bruxism, which is an involuntary reaction that occurs during sleep or when the teen is under stress. The constant grinding causes enamel erosion and jaw pain.
In severe cases, it can damage the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Thus, guiding and supporting your teens through their problems is essential. Parents must provide emotional care and affection to their children rather than being judgmental or rigid.
7. Detect Teen Dental Problems Early
The teenage years are the perfect time to get braces or aligners if the child’s teeth are misaligned. It can help them grow into confident adults who are not insecure about their appearance.
Many teens also go through the eruption of wisdom teeth during their later teenage years, which can be painful. They must visit their dentist Hope Island to determine if they are crooked or need extraction.
Some teenage kids are also enthusiastic about oral piercings. They must consult their dentist before proceeding with these additions to their mouths because they can have side effects.
Wrapping Up
Teenagers must be guided to maintain dental hygiene to ensure they do not take oral health for granted. It can help them avoid dental problems and make healthy choices. The tips mentioned above can help parents inculcate the best dental hygiene habits.
