From college admissions, athletic activities, going to prom and getting a driver’s license, teenagers have a lot on their mind. And their oral health doesn’t usually make the list! As a parent, however, you want to do everything you can to help them have healthy teeth and gums, both now and in the future. In this blog, you’ll learn about the top 4 dental issues that teens face and how a pediatric dentist in Naperville, IL can help. Rest assured that with a few good habits at home and regular professional care, your teen can look forward to a healthy, beautiful smile for life!
1. Orthodontic Issues
The majority of teens need orthodontic treatment to correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites or other alignment issues. Fortunately, nowadays there are more options than ever before, including Invisalign.
This alternative to traditional braces provides fantastic results, without the hassle or embarrassment of wearing brackets and wires. And while a pediatric dentist may recommend traditional braces for severe alignment issues, Invisalign can be an excellent choice for many teens.
2. Wisdom Teeth
Most people get their wisdom teeth between age 15 and 25, so a dentist will typically recommend a panoramic X-ray around age 15. This image provides a view of the entire upper and lower jaw to monitor the development of these teeth.
In many cases, the wisdom teeth need to be extracted, which benefits teens in the following ways:
- When the wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they didn’t come in all the way or are coming in sideways, extractions prevent painful infections and protect the other teeth in the mouth.
- Sometimes the wisdom teeth are so far back that they’re difficult to keep clean. Removing them makes it easier to prevent cavities and gum problems on the adjacent healthy teeth.
- When there simply isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth, taking them out prevents crowding and other alignment issues.
3. Dental Emergencies
The teenage years tend to be very active, and when you combine that with less-than-perfect brushing and flossing habits, teens are prone to emergencies like broken or knocked-out teeth or painful toothaches. But while emergencies are certainly alarming, rest assured that a dentist will get them out of pain quickly while also preserving their oral health.
Also, keep in mind that seeing a pediatric dentist for preventive care like checkups and athletic guards will lower their risk of dental emergencies quite a bit.
4. Cavities
Cavities are quite common among teens, but there are easy ways to prevent them (and avoid dental work like fillings and dental crowns):
- Schedule regular checkups with a dentist for teens in Naperville, IL.
- Be consistent with brushing twice a day and flossing once.
- Minimize sugary foods and beverages, including sodas, juice, energy drinks, candy, etc.
- Get professional fluoride treatments and use a fluoride mouthwash at home
Nearly everyone faces at least one of these issues during their teen years. But with regular visits to a pediatric dentist and good oral hygiene habits, your teen will have a healthy smile that carries them all the way into adulthood!
About the Author
Dr. Asim Awan is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Naperville, IL with over a decade of experience. He loves working with teens and helping them achieve more self-confidence through better oral health. Dr. Awan offers many services to address the unique issues teens face, including Invisalign, extractions, athletic guards and more. If you’d like to know more about your teen’s dental health or have any questions, he can be contacted via his website.