Age-Appropriate Dental Care: Teens And Adults

We talked to you last month about the importance of starting good oral care habits early in your child’s life and how Raleigh’s best dentist, Dr. Eric Ladimer, can help you set a good foundation.

This month, we’re going a little further along life’s journey and discussing differences you might have to consider for your teens and yourself! Let’s dive in.

Are teen and adult mouths really so different from children’s?

You know, it’s not just baby teeth and permanent teeth that mark the difference between a child’s mouth and an adult one. According to the American Dental Hygienist’s Association, “Proper diet, brushing, and flossing all play an important role in maintaining a healthy smile and preserving teeth during these challenging years. Cavities and periodontal (gum) disease can be a threat to teens as well as adults. Recent survey results show that bleeding gums were most prevalent among adolescents and that three-fourths of 13-17 year-olds had gums that bled. Adolescents also have particular issues not shared by younger age.”¹

In addition to fairly normal concerns like these, teens and adults also have issues not shared by younger age groups, like mouthguards, braces, piercings, mouth tattoos and other “mouth art,” eating disorders, and more. All of these considerations put the oral health of teens and adults at risk, and proper care must be taken!

Most noticeably in our daily lives, teens and adults are also more likely to worry about bad breath and stains from foods, drinks, and cigarettes. So what do we do?

What’s the best way to care for my teen or adult mouth?

You know what we’re going to say before we even say it. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visiting New Hope Dental Care in Raleigh, NC are the very best and easiest ways to take care of your teeth, gums, and overall oral care.

But if you or your teen have any of the other concerns we listed or even ones we didn’t, here are some great ideas for upping your oral care game:

• If you’re an athlete, wear a mouthguard! And if you wear a mouthguard, use mouthwash or other safe antiseptic to keep it clean! Then take extra care to do your daily brushing and remove any extra buildup this toothy part of your uniform can cause.
• If you have braces or any other introduced apparatus, including mouthguards, limit or eliminate sugary drinks and foods. Metal or other materials in your mouth add new places for disease-causing bacteria to hide, upping the risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
• If you have oral piercings of any kind, take extra care to keep your mouth clean. Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash even more often! Since our mouths are warm, moist environments, they are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and even more prone to infection. Introducing elective or cosmetic accessories makes those risks even worse. Be careful!
• If you or someone you know might have an eating disorder, the first thing to do is seek help. These all too common and life-threatening situations are not to be ignored. When it comes to oral health during recovery, keep in mind that oral care is imperative. However, one important tip to keep in mind is that it is better to rinse with a baking soda and water mixture rather than brush after a purge to neutralize stomach acids in the mouth.

What else can I do to care for my gums and teeth?

Some of the following tips are ones you have probably heard as often as you’ve heard that brushing is the most important action you can take, but they are still worth hearing again.

• See your dentist regularly. This one is so easy but so often put off. Just do it. Here at New Hope Dental Care, we will make sure the experience is as pleasant as possible.
• Avoid tobacco products. Whether you’re smoking or chewing or anything else, these products are TERRIBLE for your oral health.
• Chew sugarless gum. We won’t take the habit away from you all together, but chewing gum with lots of sugar is like pouring the decay-causing stuff straight onto your gums and enamel.
• Eat foods high in fiber. The American Dental Association says they help keep your teeth and gums clean!
• Just be sensible. Don’t open bottles, packages, or plastic bags with your teeth. Or anything else, for that matter. Don’t participate in dangerous activities without proper protection. Keep that smile safe and healthy.

Sure, the concerns differ from children to teens to adults, but it all comes down to taking care of yourself in every way you can. When it’s time to see your dentist for a routine checkup or when you need cosmetic or required surgeries, we hope you will trust New Hope Dental Care with your treatment.

Join us next month when we discuss dental care for mature patients and those with special conditions.