Common Dental Issues Teens Face

Keep Your Teen Healthy, Know What to Look Out for

Teenagers often have a higher risk of cavities and gum disease than younger kids. Because these oral health issues will affect their permanent teeth, rather than baby teeth, more care should be taken to avoid them. Teenagers may consume more sugary drinks and foods when they are not under your supervision, and engage in other habits and lifestyle choices like vaping or smoking that can encourage the formation of cavities and gum disease.

The teen years are also usually when orthodontics are recommended. Your teen will have all of their permanent teeth, but their mouth will not be completely finished growing, which means it’s easier to shift the position of their teeth and bite using braces or Invisalign.

Wisdom teeth can also cause problems for teenagers. They come in between 17-25 in most cases, but can erupt at a younger age. If they do not erupt properly, they can cause pain, discomfort, and damage to your teen’s other teeth. In most cases, it’s best to have wisdom teeth extracted when they emerge to avoid these issues.

Teen-Friendly Dentistry

The Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist for Teens

Informative Care

Dr. Richard can relate to your teenager and explain the importance of proper oral care as they grow older and why they need to take care of their teeth as they mature.

Proactive Approach

Our team can help identify oral health concerns early, and take appropriate action to preserve your teen’s oral health.

Friendly Team

Pediatric dentists exclusively work with children and teenagers, so your child will get the best possible care at every visit to Milpitas Children’s Dentistry.

Does My Teen Need Orthodontics?

Orthodontic Screenings for Teenagers

Ideally, kids should be screened for orthodontic problems by the age of 7, as this can ensure that their mouth is healthy, and identify oral health issues that may require “phase 1” interceptive orthodontics.

However, teens should have an orthodontic screening when all of their permanent teeth come in at the age of 12-13 if they have not been screened at an early age. This is the perfect time to adjust their smile or bite with braces, so make sure you know if your teen needs orthodontic treatment by scheduling an orthodontic screening.

How to Instill Good Dental Habits

Cooperative Care for Teens

The teenage years are a tough time, so you might have trouble instilling good dental hygiene habits into your teen. It may feel like they’re ignoring you, or not taking you seriously. How can you avoid this?

We recommend having an open, honest discussion with them, adult-to-adult. Teenagers don’t like being talked down to. So lay out the facts. Good dental habits will save you and your child money and time in the future, prevent pain and discomfort due to infected teeth and gum disease, and ensure that their smile remains strong and healthy for years to come. Let them know that, in the end, it’s up to them to maintain their smile. If they don’t, they will have to live with the consequences.

It can also be helpful to have Dr. Richard explain the importance of proper dental care to your teen at their appointment. Often, teenagers are more likely to listen to authority figures than their parents, so this can help ensure your teen takes better care of their oral health.