Teenage Teeth 101
By DR Mark Dohald | Principle Dental Officer
5 minute read |
Published 23 September 2024
Just like adults and children, teenagers need to protect their mouths and teeth by maintaining good oral health.
Although regular brushing and flossing are important, the oral health of teens is often associated with extra risk factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol and mouth and tongue piercings.
Oral health tips for teens and young adults
How to best avoid dental cavities
Anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including teenagers and older adults. When you consume food and drinks that are sugary or high in carbohydrates, the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth and in plaque, break down to form acids. These acids attack and dissolve the outer surface of the tooth enamel. This process is known as demineralisation.
The first sign of demineralisation is chalky white spots. At this stage, the decay process can still be reversed. If you suspect you have the start of tooth decay, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Prevent tooth decay with healthy eating
To help prevent tooth decay, it’s recommended that you limit sugars and processed foods to mealtimes, rather than between meals. Healthy snacks may include cheese, natural yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, dry biscuits, nuts and wholegrain bread. Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow will also help protect against cavities.
Prevent tooth decay with healthy drinking
Drinking water (fluoridated tap water) and plain milk, both with and in-between meals, will help prevent tooth decay. Limit soft drinks, sports drinks, juice, flavoured water and other carbonated drinks. These beverages will all increase your risk of dissolving your tooth enamel and tooth decay.
Prevent tooth decay by cleaning your teeth properly
You can maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a toothbrush with a small, compact head and soft bristles. When the bristles appear ‘shaggy’ it is time to change toothbrushes.
Flossing at least once a day is very important for teenagers. While there may be some bleeding at first, this should subside after a few days if tooth cleaning is thorough. If bleeding persists, seek advice from a dentist or other oral health professional.
Minimising injuries to the mouth and teeth when training or playing sport
To help protect yourself from the risk of an oral injury, it’s important to wear a professionally fitted mouthguard when training and playing sport. Speak to your dentist about professional mouthguards if you regularly play contact sports.
If you smoke or vape, quit for good. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol and recreational drugs can have adverse effect on your mouth health including;
- oral cancer and other mouth skin diseases
- tooth staining
- bad breath
- dry mouth
- sensitivity
- tooth loss
- tooth decay
- cracked and broken teeth
Have regular oral health checkups, don’t wait until you have a problem. Prevention is key.
