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Parents and teens face new challenges when it comes to adolescent dental health. It’s important for families of teenagers to be aware of issues specific to adolescent oral health. The pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates, with three office locations throughout Hawaii, offer these helpful tips to ensure your teen maintains a healthy, beautiful smile:

  • Brush & Floss Daily: It never hurts to reinforce the basics of good dental hygiene with your teenager. This means brushing teeth twice daily with toothpaste and flossing once a day. Regular dental visits encourage healthy habits and ensure early detection of disease.
  • Be a Smart Snacker: With vending machines in schools, it’s hard for teens to resist snacking on sweetened food that increases cavity risk. Fill the fridge with healthy on-the-go snacks such as low-fat yogurt and cheese, raw veggies and fresh fruit so your teenager can make smart choices.
  • Mouthguards Protect Smiles: Athletic teenagers are at a greater risk for dental injuries, such as cracked or lost teeth. Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, will cushion collisions to the mouth and teeth. Get your all-star teen fitted for a custom mouthguard to minimize the dental health effects of sports-related injuries.
  • Beware of Piercings: Oral piercings are a popular choice among teens, but they also present risks such as infections, chipped and cracked teeth, and more. According to the American Dental Association, the best protection is to avoid oral piercings completely. If your teen already has one, proper care is essential. Teens must keep piercings clean and use mouthwash after every meal, and these are just the basics. Always contact your teen’s dentist or doctor at the first sign of infection.

Knowledge of adolescent dental health issues empowers parents and teens alike. If you or your teen has questions about their oral health, the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates are ready to help. For more information, visit them online, and call (808) 487-7933 to schedule an appointment.

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