As kids grow up they start to become more independent. They need less help from mom or dad with homework, laundry, and other everyday activities. Usually they’re pretty great at taking on these responsibilities with little to no trouble or risk of consequences. But when it comes to their oral health, less supervision could result in poor oral hygiene and a greater chance of dental disease. Our pediatric dental office in Long Island is here to help parents make the transition to having their teens care for their own oral health with our top four tips.
Teens aren’t focused on supplying their own toothbrush, and they probably won’t recognize when they need a new one. Keep an eye on how long it’s been since your child has had a new toothbrush (hint: if it’s been three months, it’s time for a new one) or if you notice the bristles starting to fray. Also make sure to keep plenty of cavity-fighting toothpaste on hand as well as floss.
We all know how bad sugar can be for our pearly whites, and teens can have a pretty wicked sweet tooth. To combat this, try to limit the number of sweet treats and soda you keep in the house. Reducing the availability of these cavity-causing snacks can go a long way in keeping teeth free of decay not only for your teen, but yourself and your whole family, too.
Many teens are active in sports and they can begin to get more physical than ever before. Protecting their teeth should become a top priority and a crucial part of their athletic gear. Mouthguards can protect against chips, cracks, breaks, and even losing a tooth. Mouthguards can also reduce the risk of concussions and should be required every time your child plays.
Visits to your child’s pediatric dentist in Long Island at least every six months is still necessary to keep her growing smile bright, healthy, and cavity free. These appointments help catch any potential problems early while they’re still easy to treat and before they have a chance to become painful or lead to more advanced issues. We may also recommend protective sealants to keep decay away and fluoride treatments to keep teeth strong.
While it’s sometimes difficult to watch our little ones grow up, helping them transition into being more independent and following a proper oral hygiene routine can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
If you’re looking for a dentist for your teen, we always welcome you to call our Long Island pediatric dental office.
