Teenagers
Are People Too
By: Shelley Berg
Shelly is the Patient-Care Coordinator at The Oaks Dental Center, Ltd.
February is the month for Valentines Day, hearts, roses and lovers. Schools and dental offices however, also celebrate and promote children’s dental health during the month of February.
National Children’s Dental Health Month generally brings to mind preschool and elementary aged children, tooth coloring pages, pink disclosing tablets, and new tooth brushes. While younger children need encouragement and guidance to help them establish solid dental hygiene and knowledge, adolescents should not be overlooked.
Pre-teens and teenagers go through a myriad of transformations deserving of special attention, including their dental health. During adolescence, a lack of motivation regarding oral hygiene can occur. Children of this age understandably have a lot on their minds and busy schedules. There are several key aspects of dental health to pay attention to during these whirlwind years.
Did you know that the hormonal changes of puberty can affect the health of the gums? The rise of hormone levels causes increased blood circulation to the gingival tissues (gums). The result is a tendency of swelling in response to irritants which can lead to red, tender, even bleeding gums. Prevention of chronic gingivitis includes diligent brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene appointments with your dental office.
The stresses of being a teenager not only instigates moodiness, grumpiness, high energy, emotional outbursts and surly comments, but can instigate a habit of clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. (The teen‘s, not the parent’s!) Tooth grinding and clenching can lead to tired, and aching jaws, sensitive teeth, excessive wearing of tooth enamel and an increased risk of periodontal disease. Besides stress-relieving habits to ease the tendency to clench and grind throughout the day, a custom fitted nightguard can be worn at night. An appointment to take impressions of the mouth and follow up appointments to receive the nightguard is all that is necessary. Nightmares about upcoming tests can then no longer pose a threat to those pearly whites.
“What’s for dinner, what’s for breakfast, where’s the snacks?” The appetites of most teens include a penchant for easy to grab junk foods and soda. While it’s important to continue to instill healthful eating habits, it’s a fact that teenagers have more freedom to choose their own foods and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and snacks and sweets. Not only are our children consuming an increased number of soft drinks per day but the serving size of a soda has gone from 6.5 ounces to as much as 20 ounces. The problem is that acids in soft drinks and the acidic sugar byproducts soften tooth enamel. The softening of enamel contributes to the formation of cavities. Since soda does not appear to be going out of style anytime soon, it’s helpful to at least rinse with water immediately following consumption of soda. In addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste, your dentist may recommend rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash or Prevident (high concentrate, special toothpaste).
Perhaps during this month of Cupid, chocolates and dental health, the blooming adolescents in our midst can be encouraged to take the time to pay attention to their healthy smiles, right along with their younger siblings.
