Teenager Tips

Dental Tips for Teens

You hope they are brushing.  And cross your fingers when you take them to the dentist.

You can’t check them before bed.  But you might sneak it to watch them sleep.
You’re not sure what they are eating.  But they eat ALOT!
Here are a few tips for your teenager’s teeth.  Maybe you can share them in a text :)

• Sports drinks have as much sugar as a can of soda and can cause cavities. Only children over 12 years of age, who work up a sweat for an hour or longer, benefit from these beverages to replenish electrolytes.  Check out this list to see about other beverages and their sugar content.
• Chewing Gum is a teenagers best friend.  But chewing it more than twice a week can actually be harmful for the teeth.  But what about sugar free gum, is that ok?  Nope.  It has to contain this ingredient first.
  
• If you have braces, you should have your teeth cleaned every 3 – 6 months. Listen to the hygienist and dentist!  The white spots on the teeth after braces are removed, can be prevented.  These white spots are the first stage of a cavity from poor brushing and your dentist or dental hygienist can catch these early to prevent them.
• Flossing Of course your teenager doesn’t floss daily.  Do you?  They probably have gingivitis. So give them the tools that can help!  An electric toothbrush or Waterpik can do an awesome job as a compromise, and prevent plaque accumulation.

You could also text them a link to these VIDEOS about their teeth.  This might give a subtle hint to take care of them!