I WOULD like to share with you teeth tips for teens from the Academy of General Dentistry.
1. Limit soda drinking. Whether at school, home or on the weekends, teens are drinking more soda that they have in the past. In 1977, 12- to 19-year-olds drank 16 ounces of soda a day. In 1996, this same age group consumed an average of 28 ounces a day.
Not only sugar is harmful to teeth, acidic flavor additives can also erode and damage tooth enamel. There are simple ways for teens to limit the harmful effects of sodas. Sipping soda through a straw cuts down on the contact the beverage has with teeth and rinsing the mouth with water after drinking soda can also reduce the risk of cavities.
2. Avoid oral piercing. Tongue piercing remains a teen trend. However, it is not always a healthy choice for mouths. People chip teeth on tongue piercings while eating, sleeping, talking and chewing. Tongue piercing commonly causes fractured teeth. The fracture can be confined to the tooth enamel and require a filling, or it may go deeper, in which case causing a need for a root canal or extraction.
Infections are also common with oral piercings, and they cause more than pain. A tongue can swell after being punctured; however, in some cases, the tongue becomes infected and swells so much that it may cut off breathing. Unclean piercing equipment can cause other infections, such as blood-borne hepatitis.
3. Make time for healthy habits. Quick meals in the form of “nutrition” bars and fast food help keep teens alert and on schedule between school, extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs. However, today’s fast-paced lifestyle threatens to leave a generation with permanent damage to oral and overall health. Teens can keep travel size brushes in locker or back packs.
Chewing sugarless gum with xylitol after meals or snacks can help cleanse the mouth. Drinking water throughout the day can help cleanse the teeth of excess bacteria and food debris.
Teens should also be sure to see their dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental visits can help catch minor problems before they become major ones.
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If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.