Ensure a Beautiful Smile with Dental Care for Teens By Mike Meek, DDS on August 23, 2017

Sugary soft drinks, starchy junk food, and being active in sports are all a major part of many teens' lives, but for teens who don't practice proper dental care, factors like these can lead to serious oral health problems. At 38^th Street Dental, we use the most advanced and aesthetically pleasing techniques in restorative dentistry to repair dental damage so teens can smile with confidence.

Dentists Mike Meek and David Tasch understand that navigating the teen years is challenging enough without dental problems, which is why dental care for teens is a priority at our Austin, TX practice. Contact our practice today to learn more about dental care for teens.

Proper Dental Care Is Essential for Teen Oral Health

Preventing dental damage at a young age is one of the best ways to maintain a lifetime of good oral health, which is why it's so important for teens to practice good dental care. Good dental care for teens goes beyond proper oral hygiene. Accordingly, extra measures should be taken to protect their smiles. These tips can help.

Practice diligent oral hygiene: It's important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, but many teens benefit from brushing more often, specifically after meals. Teens should also be reminded to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques. This includes brushing in small, circular strokes for a full two minutes at a time and flossing up and down each side of each tooth.
Wear a mouth guard while playing sports: Sports-related dental injuries are a common issue for teens and can lead to dental fractures, chips, and even tooth loss. Teens who play sports should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth from unforeseen accidents.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Though not all teens are guilty of indulging, regularly eating sweet and starchy foods can increase the risk of tooth decay. Teens should limit sugary foods and drinks, like sodas and sweet coffee drinks, to decrease the risk of tooth decay.
Practice extra care when wearing braces: Teens who wear braces should be extra diligent with their oral hygiene and orthodontic diet restrictions. Without such care, staining or decay may occur around the brackets. It's recommended that teens with braces brush after every meal and avoid foods that may dislodge or stick to their braces.
Undergo regular dental exams and cleanings: Regular dental exams and cleanings can prevent and detect oral health issues. Patients should attend these appointments at least once every six months.

Enhancing Teen Smiles with Dental Treatment

Thanks to advances in dentistry, there are many cosmetically pleasing treatment options ideal for the unique dental needs of teens. Some treatments that may benefit teen patients include:

Tooth-colored fillings: Teens with dental cavities can enjoyed restored dental health and appearance with tooth-colored fillings.
Sealants: Dental sealants act as a barrier against decay-causing bacteria and acids, and can be beneficial for preventing tooth decay in teens.
Dental crowns: For those who have experienced dental damage, such as a fractured tooth or severe tooth decay, dental crowns may be used to restore dental structure and prevent further damage.
Porcelain veneers: Minor chips and fractures in the front teeth, like those experienced in a sports-related injury, may be treated with porcelain veneers.
Orthodontics: Teens with crooked teeth or other alignment issues may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about dental care for teens, or to discuss which treatments are right for your needs, please contact our team to schedule your consultation.