Dental Health Checklist for Teens

Check out the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s checklist for teenage oral health. There are many ways teenagers can positively impact their dental health:

• The average teen eats nine times a day! It’s important to choose snacks wisely. Cheese, popcorn and yogurt are healthy alternatives to high-fat or high-sugar snacks. Of course, fresh fruits and vegetables are preferred!

• If you don’t have to time to brush after a snack or meal, rinse your teeth with some water, or try chewing sugarless gum. Although brushing your teeth is best, these alternatives can help prevent tooth decay.

• Brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed, with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to floss once a day to prevent gum disease.

• One-third of high schoolers smoke and one-fifth of teen boys use chewing tobacco. Aside from lung and heart problems, tobacco can cause oral cancer. Do not smoke or chew tobacco.

• Wear your seatbelt. A seatbelt or shoulder harness can prevent your face from hitting the steering wheel, the dashboard, or windshield during even minor accidents.

• Avoid mouth jewelry. Piercing the tongue, cheek, or lip can pose greater risks than piercing other areas (such as your ear or eyebrow). During or right after the piercing, there is a risk of severe bleeding if the needle hits a blood vessel, an infection can occur from the bacteria in your mouth, and if the tongue swells - breathing difficulties can occur. Recurrent infections, injury to sensitive tissues in the mouth, chips or cracks in your teeth from contact with the jewelry, as well as having difficulty talking or chewing are other side effects from piercing your mouth.

• Visit your pediatric dentist twice a year!

Source: www.aapd.org