Dental issues for teens are preventable with good oral hygiene habits. Early diagnosis, on the other hand, simplifies the treatment process and speeds up recovery.

Give your children the gift of a healthy, happy smile. Get them started early on proper dental care. The small steps you’re taking daily are crucial in avoiding these top dental issues for teens.

1. Crooked teeth. It isn’t uncommon for teens to deal with misaligned, crooked, uneven, misshapen, or gapped teeth. But the earlier these orthodontic issues are treated, the better. Ideally, it’s best to monitor the development of your child’s teeth right from the start. But it’s also not too late to fix problems during the teenage years. For teens who are already using dental devices, another challenge is keeping the teeth clean. This makes it all the more crucial to keep up with regular dental appointments.
   
   
2. Tooth decay. Taking meals loaded with sugar and carbohydrates is a common tooth decay culprit. And since teens are often on the go, they’re predisposed to constantly snacking throughout the day. It isn’t unusual for them to indulge in processed or junk food. As brushing and flossing may not be among their top priorities, their dental health can be compromised even more. While tooth decay is common, its effects can be hard to ignore. When not addressed properly, a cavity or sore tooth can affect one’s speech, focus, and productivity.
   
   
3. Wisdom teeth issues. Sometimes, there’s not enough space to accommodate wisdom teeth. They don’t fully erupt and get trapped in the gums or appear slanted or misaligned. This makes them tougher to clean and can lead to sore tooth or gum problems. Harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar can easily build-up on the area. Without good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits, the problem can exacerbate fast.
   
   
4. Tooth discoloration. Several factors can contribute to tooth discoloration. Among the most common for teens are smoking and eating habits. Smoking can leave behind dark stains on the teeth that can only be removed through professional dental cleanings. Frequent intake of carbonated and sugary beverages can also stain the teeth and cause the enamel to erode. As the teeth are constantly exposed to acid attacks, they weaken and break down. This can lead to increased sensitivity as the nerves become exposed.
   
   
5. Infected oral piercing. Some teens consider oral piercings as a form of art. Oral piercing, however, is discouraged by dental professionals due to the risk of infections. If you’re considering getting mouth piercings or you have an interested teen, see your dentist first. Your dentist can discuss to you in detail the risks involved. If your teen already has an oral piercing, your dental team can examine and have the area cleaned.
   
   
6. Damaged teeth. Teens who are active in sports are vulnerable to mouth damage. Contact sports or not, it helps a lot for teens to use a customized mouthguard. This oral appliance protects the mouth against serious injuries and damages. Unlike store-bought mouthguards, it fits snugly, feels comfortable, and works effectively. This encourages teens to use it as directed by the dentist.

Learn More About Common Dental Issues for Teens

During their teenage years, children start to become more conscious of their appearance. Their smile contributes a lot to their confidence and social skills.

Caring for your teen’s smile and helping them prevent common dental issues is easier with you taking the lead. See your family dentist regularly. Taking children to the dental office starting at a young age also helps prevent dental-related anxiety and fear.

Every visit allows your child the opportunity to meet the dental team and establish a positive relationship with them. Doesn’t it feel nice to have a go-to dental team where every appointment feels like reuniting with a family friend?