Teens: The Dental Connection!

You have a lot more freedom as a teenager than you did as a young child. You also have a lot more responsibilities, and one of your jobs is to take care of your teeth.  Developing and maintaining good oral health habits now can provide you with a lifetime of great dental health!

As a teenager, the risk for tooth decay can increase. In fact, 59% of all patients aged 12-19 develop at least one cavity.  Keeping your teeth brushed two minutes twice daily and flossing can reduce the risk for decay. If you do suspect a cavity, most times, early treatment can prevent the area from becoming a much more serious dental problem.  Delaying treatment usually results in a severely damaged tooth, which may need to be treated with a root canal or an extraction.

Other steps can be taken to prevent tooth decay when you are at school or just hanging out with your friends, such as carrying a bottle of water around with you so you can take a sip after you eat any kind of food, or you can choose water instead of pop or sports drinks.

Finally, although many teens are very aware of the health risks associated with the use of any form of tobacco, most young adults do not know that tobacco causes bad breath, gum disease, cavities, teeth staining and can even slow the healing from injuries.

If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT