The teenage years are a period of rapid development physically, cognitively, and emotionally. In addition to their many changes, teens will also be exposed to many new risks. Some of these risks involve behaviors or choices that could seriously impact their oral health. In this week's post, we've picked five things parents and teens should watch out for and approach with caution in order to keep their mouths healthy:
Tobacco/Nicotine
Nearly every teen will face the choice to try tobacco or e-cigs, the latter of which is a new consideration for teens with just as much peer pressure surrounding it. Parents and teens should talk about the dangers openly and honestly be aware of this heightened and unhealthy risk.
Poor Nutrition
As your children grow into young adults, it may seem as if their appetites are endless. It's during this age that parents should be pleasantly persistent about reminding their kids to make healthy food and drink choices. More water than energy drinks and celery sticks over potato chips once in a while can help protect their teeth from higher risk of tooth decay.
Athletics
Teens who play sports are simply at a higher risk for damaging their teeth. Ask your dentist if he or she makes mouth guards or can recommend a colleague who does. It's okay to be competitive, but don't forget to protect your teen's mouth from trauma.
Piercings
In their teenage years, your kids are going to try things that seem, ahem, weird to you. It's up to you to decide on the boundaries, but if your teen is allowed to get a tongue or any other mouth piercing, understand the risks to their teeth and gums. Metal piercings can crack teeth, harbor harmful bacteria, and damage gums from rubbing on them. Do some research or ask your dentist to talk to your teen during their next visit about how piercing can harm them.
Drinking Coffee
Coffee has always been a trendy drink, but the availability of it these days is kind of overwhelming. There are cold and hot coffee drinks at gas stations, Starbucks shops on every corner, and even drive-thru espresso stands in many parts of the country. Your teen may or may not develop an early coffee habit because of availability, trendiness amongst peers, and/or because they want to use it as a way to assert their maturity. It's important to remind them that while a good cup of coffee can be wonderful, it also stains teeth, may increase their sugar intake, and is very acidic. Make sure they are counteracting their coffee drinking with consistent brushing.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope these five risks warrant extra consideration and/or discussion from parents and teens. If you enjoy our blog, please consider liking or sharing our Facebook page with a friend.