How Can Teenagers Look After Their Teeth

The other day I heard a psychologist who was addressing a group of teenagers say, "Smile, and the world smiles with you." It then struck me that smiling was a real challenge for many teenagers who had late nights out, consumed junk food, smoked and had occasional binges of alcohol that stained their teeth. Also teenagers were so caught up in the whirlwind of their activities that they forgot to brush their teeth twice a day and were more likely to miss on dental appointments.

Tips to look after teenage teeth as recommended by a dentist:

Most teenagers are addicted to soft drinks and cola; these drinks are more harmful for the teeth than fruit juices as they are not only rich in sugar that causes cavities, but the acidic flavored additives in them damage the tooth enamel. The best solution lies in cutting back or eliminating colas and soft drinks; they however prove less harmful if taken by a straw that ensures that lesser amount of drink comes in contact with the teeth. It would also help to rinse the mouth well with water after consuming these drinks to reduce the chances of developing cavities.

Smoking and consumption of alcohol also cause tooth decay. Alcohol dries up in the mouth and discolors it and destroys the tooth enamel. These harmful habits make a person more susceptible to mouth diseases like cancer, mouth diseases and loss of tooth in severe cases. Smoking stains the teeth and also leads to bad breath.

Teenagers can avoid damage to teeth and gums by avoiding foods  that are rich in sugar and starch; these foods  cause bacteria in the mouth to create acids that could affect ones teeth and gums a while after eating. This is particularly true in case of toffees and chewing gums; they cause damage depending on the length of time they are in the mouth.

A special word of caution for teens that have braces; be careful to avoid foods, especially sticky ones  that could be caught or coat the braces. Allowing food too close to the teeth could deteriorate them, with food coating the braces and teeth requiring careful cleaning. 

Teenagers should avoid the popular fad of looking different and daring with oral piercing; the jewelry worn could chip the teeth when eating, drinking or sleeping damaging the tooth enamel and nerves, necessitating root canal treatment. Also it could lead to mouth infections and swelling in the tongue that could lead to breathing difficulties in extreme cases.

Teenagers should avoid candies and energy bars and go in for healthy snacks like bananas. Chewing sugarless gums after meals helps. They should drink a lot of water throughout the day to flush out the trapped particles and minimize the effect of bacteria. 

Finally teens should make sure to go for regular dental checkups. They should brush and floss their teeth daily and preferably use a mouthwash to cure bad breath and get protection from bacteria. They should ensure they change their toothbrush every 2-3 months; a soft pr medium toothbrush should be preferred to a hard one that could damage tooth enamel.

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