Strong dental care practices benefit teens in many different ways. For one, routine brushing and flossing keep adult teeth clean so they won’t be affected by decay. Keeping on top of plaque can also help adolescents maintain a bright smile that brings them confidence. But if you want your child to grow up with good dental health, they’ll need to do more than brush and floss. To help them protect their smile, here are five smart oral health habits, including visiting the dentist.  

A Guide to Dental Care for Teens

1. Keep Clear of Cigarettes

In addition to many other serious health consequences, smoking cigarettes can impair dental health by increasing oral cancer and gum disease risks, staining teeth, and promoting bad breath. Vaping also presents risks, as studies show that e-cigarette use can contribute to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay.  

2. Stick With Healthy Snacks

Snacking is common when you’re a growing teen with ever-changing nutritional needs. But when cravings strike, it’s important to help your child avoid sugar-laden snacks that promote tooth decay, such as candy, soda, and chips. Instead, offer smile-friendly and nutritious alternatives, including apples, cheese, nuts, and fresh popcorn.

3. Battle Buildup on Braces

While braces can help teens straighten their teeth, they also provide an easy hiding space for food and plaque. These conditions increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. If your child requires orthodontic treatment, equip them with hygiene tools that make it easier for them to clean around braces, such as interdental brushes and oral irrigators.

4. Protect Teeth When Playing Sports

During high-impact sports, one accident could crack a tooth or knock it out entirely—problems that could require restorative dentistry. To avoid these dangers, make sure your child gets a custom mouthguard from a dentist to help shield the teeth from impact.

5. Don’t Ditch the Dentist

Between athletic games, exams, and social events, it’s easy for a teen’s schedule to fill up fast. But as busy as adolescents are, they must continue getting dental check-ups at least once every six months. During regular exams, dentists provide cleanings and treatments to prevent serious complications, such as root canal infections. These visits also help keep track of how teeth are developing, making it easier for professionals to pinpoint when your child may be ready to get their wisdom teeth removed.  

Providing family dentistry services for patients of all ages, Gladstein Dental Center is a top oral health resource for teenagers in New Britain, CT. Equipped with advanced tools, this Hartford County dentist will comfortably prevent and treat common dental care issues among adolescents, including cavities and oral injuries. To learn more about the ways these caring professionals will keep your family smiling, visit the dental office online. For appointments, call (860) 223-1162.