In theory, as humans grow older, they become wiser. They learn, and their brains develop, so logically, teens should be better off than younger children with more experience and knowledge, especially in terms of their dental health. However, up to 60 percent of teens have had at least one cavity by age 19, and about 13 percent currently have undiagnosed tooth decay. Without treatment or correction, teenagers can experience pain, additional damage to their smiles and confidence, and set themselves up for a lifetime of dental trouble!
Why are cavities still prevalent in teenagers? What can be done to help kids in this age group thrive? Keep reading to find out!
Reasons Teens May Struggle with Cavities
Close to reaching adulthood, teenagers naturally want to figure out their own path and gain independence. Part of that process is testing limits and rules. Whether they fought brushing and flossing as a toddler or not, teens may choose to skip these essential daily habits, raising their risk of tooth decay. In addition, away from the supervision of parents, teens can eat whatever they want, including sugary drinks or snacks, which encourage cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Unfortunately, teenage years may also involve experimentation with smoking, vaping, or drugs, which come with higher risks for oral health problems like tooth decay and gum infection.
Also, with teenagers, it’s important to remember that their brains are not completely developed yet. They may logically know that dental health is important, but they may not think fully about the consequences of their choices on their smile.
Ways to Help Your Teen Keep a Strong Smile
One of the most beneficial things you can do for your teenager is to keep bringing them to their pediatric dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Even if at-home hygiene becomes a daily struggle, these frequent appointments allow for cavities to be spotted and treated as early as possible. Hopefully, decay can be resolved before it causes your child pain or severe damage to their smile.
Other tips for guiding teens include the following:
- Share research, appropriate images, or input from trusted resources. Many teens resent being told what to do simply because a parent or one authority figure said so. If you can provide valid reasons for performing daily hygiene and avoiding risky habits, they are more likely to follow your advice.
- Talk about the dangers of certain habits, such as smoking, vaping, and doing drugs. Even if you wonder whether your teen is actually listening or not, discuss and practice with them how they can respond to peer pressure or offers for these risky behaviors. Chances are they hear more than you think.
- Install an oral hygiene app on their phone. Your teen may not be motivated by stickers and games to brush and floss anymore, but they may find an app helpful in keeping them on track with their oral health.
- Encourage a healthy diet. While some teenagers have high metabolism and can get away with indulging in sugary, starchy foods and drinks without gaining weight or feeling sick at their young age, these substances increase the risk of cavities significantly. You can’t micro-manage everything they consume, but you can teach where to get proper nutrition and control the types of snacks you have available at home.
- Invest in dental technology. Teens love technology! Involve them in picking an electric toothbrush, water flosser, or other pieces of technology that they can use to maintain their oral health.
Teens may not require as much close monitoring as they did as toddlers or young kids, but they still need help learning. As statistics show, they are likely to make mistakes and get cavities, but with some nurturing guidance, they can develop skills to keep their smile healthy as they continue to grow.
About the Practice
Wash Park Pediatric Dentistry happily serves kids throughout the Denver area ranging from infants to teenagers. As parents of their own respective children and board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Patrick Bowman and Dr. Kathleen Waguespack are experts in working with these age groups. Whether you want to prevent cavities for your child or they need one treated, our compassionate, non-judgmental team will help them smile with confidence and feel right at home here! Contact us online or call us at 720-647-6310 for an appointment today!