As anyone who’s past their adolescent years will tell you, being a teenager can be tough. It’s a period of time in life unlike any other and has its own unique challenges and rewards. It even comes with its own set of oral health problems! Although, as you probably know if you’re the parent of a teenager, their teeth and gums tend to be the last thing on their mind. But since their oral health now will have an impact on their future smile, it’s well worth it to learn about these issues so you can help them either prevent or treat them. Keep reading to find out more about 4 common issues that teens face from a dentist for teens in Fitchburg!
Wisdom Teeth
98% of the population gets their wisdom teeth, and, unfortunately, most people need to have them removed. These teeth typically come in between ages 15-25, so it’s a good idea to take a panoramic X-ray around age 15 to monitor their development.
Here are just some of the reasons they may need to be removed:
- Impaction – In many cases, wisdom teeth either don’t come in all the way or they come in sideways. This can lead to painful infections and also affect the existing teeth in the mouth.
- Hygiene – Wisdom teeth are very difficult to keep clean because most people can’t reach them. This makes them very likely to develop severe cavities and gum problems down the road.
- Lack of space – Most people simply don’t have room in their mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth.
Dental Emergencies
Between school, sports and recreational activities, teens are incredibly active. Unfortunately, that means that the occasional dental emergency can happen at any time.
Sudden toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, or knocked-out teeth are just some of the possible scenarios your teen may find themselves in. But, although emergencies are alarming, rest assured that an emergency dentist in Fitchburg will be able to get them out of pain as quickly as possible and restore their smile as well!
Cavities
Cavities are incredibly common among teens, and it’s safe to say that most would rather prevent them than get fillings or dental crowns. Thankfully, cavities can be prevented by doing the following:
- Getting regular checkups
- Maintaining good oral hygiene habits
- Getting sealants around age 6 for the first permanent molars and age 12 for the second molars
- Minimizing sugary foods and beverages
- Getting professional fluoride treatments and using a fluoride mouthwash at home
Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
No list of teen-specific oral health problems would be complete without mentioning crooked or crowded teeth. Although traditional braces were the only option for many years, now there are many variations that make orthodontic treatment easier, faster and more discreet.
If you’re wondering which option is right for your teen, the first step is scheduling a consultation with a pediatric dentist or orthodontist to have their bite evaluated.
Very few people escape their teen years without experiencing at least one of these oral health problems. But the good news is that with modern dentistry and a few good habits at home, they can be minimized!
About the Author
Dr. Derek Leung is a pediatric and emergency dentist in Fitchburg who knows that a healthy smile during the teen years sets the stage for a lifetime of great oral health. He’s a big believer in the power of prevention and always spend time educating his patients about how prevent problems rather than treat them. If you have any questions about oral health in the teen years, he can be contacted via his website.