The teenage years are a time of growing independence, which often comes with new lifestyle choices influenced by friends and social activities. While teens may become more self-reliant, it’s still crucial for them to maintain good oral health habits. At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon, we understand the unique dental needs of teens. Below are some tips to help your teen keep their smile healthy during these transformative years. If you’re looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Lebanon to support your teen’s oral care, we’re here to help!

Promote Healthy Eating Habits

Teens often lead busy lives, and with their packed schedules, they may grab quick snacks like energy drinks, fast food, and nutrition bars. However, many of these options are loaded with sugars, carbs, and acids that can be harmful to their teeth. To encourage healthier choices, you can:

• Keep the fridge stocked with fresh fruits, cheese sticks, and raw veggies for quick, nutritious snacks.
• Provide water, coconut water, and unsweetened teas instead of sugary drinks.
• Replace sugary gum and candy with alternatives made from tooth-friendly xylitol or other sugar-free sweeteners.

While it’s not always possible to control everything your teen eats, having healthy options readily available can make a big difference in supporting their dental health.

Ensure Mouthguard Use for Sports

If your teen participates in contact sports like football, soccer, or lacrosse, it’s essential to protect their teeth with a mouthguard. Mouthguards are available in custom-fitted options from a dentist or over-the-counter models. Some are even designed to fit over orthodontic braces.

To maintain proper hygiene, make sure your teen rinses their mouthguard after each use, disinfects it regularly, and stores it in a ventilated container.

Special Care for Teens with Braces

Braces require extra attention to dental hygiene. Encourage your teen to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine. Keep extra toothbrushes, floss, and a floss threader on hand to help them clean effectively around their braces.

Additionally, be mindful of their diet. Sticky or crunchy foods, as well as gum, should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces. A good alternative is to prepare bite-sized fruit snacks, which can be stored in sandwich bags for easy access on the go.

Avoid Oral Piercings

While tongue and lip piercings may be trendy, they can pose significant risks to dental health. Metal piercings in the mouth can lead to tooth damage, including chips and fractures, and increase the likelihood of infections. Tongue piercings are especially risky, as they can easily cause cracks in teeth that may require fillings or even more extensive treatments like extractions or root canals.

Make Oral Health a Priority

Encourage your teen to brush and floss regularly, and consider rewarding them for sticking to their routine. Keep dental hygiene kits handy in their gym bag, car, or school locker for on-the-go care. If brushing isn’t possible after meals, suggest swishing and rinsing with water until they can brush properly.

Just like adults, teens should visit their dentist at least twice a year. In fact, many teens are self-conscious about their appearance, and having a bright, healthy smile can be a strong motivator for maintaining good oral hygiene.

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the busy schedules teens often have, and we work hard to accommodate them. If your teen is due for their next dental visit, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced pediatric dentist in Lebanon. Let us help keep your teen’s smile healthy and strong!