As your child progresses through the stages of development from an infant to a teenager, you may think that because they’ve become more capable of caring for their teeth, they are in less need of professional dentistry. Actually, they need even more care! Teenager’s dental needs grow just as they grow older; with each passing year, they may be in more need of their routine checkups, along with preventative and restorative treatments. It is recommended that teenagers continue coming to the dentist every six months and maintain regular brushing and flossing habits. If you are in or around West Chester, PA, schedule an appointment for your teen online today!
Fillings for Cavities
Dental decay doesn’t stop when your child becomes a teenager. Even if they are better at properly brushing and flossing, it does not mean that they are less likely to get cavities. Diet also plays a role in plaque and tartar development; sticky candy, sugary sports drinks, and sodas can eat away at the enamel, leaving teeth much more vulnerable to decay.
When they get a cavity, they will need a filling to treat their tooth. Once the cavity is removed, our office offers composite fillings as a discreet, tooth-colored option that restores the function and appearance of the affected tooth. Composite fillings bond better to the tooth, offering long-term protection against further decay and allowing your teen to smile in confidence.
Mouthguards for Sports
Teenagers can reduce their risk of sports-related dental injuries by wearing mouthguards. Mouthguards are mouthpieces designed to protect the teeth, jaw bone, and gum tissue from impact while participating in contact sports. A mouthguard may prevent tooth fracture, lost tooth, injury to dental braces, or displacement of a tooth.
The difference between a mouthguard from our practice and one you buy at a store is huge. Our mouthguards are customized to fit your teen specifically. Using impressions, we can create a customized mouthguard that fits their bite and teeth snuggly and comfortably. This improves the protection their smile has when playing contact sports or in case an accident occurs.
Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a habit that occurs subconsciously, usually while sleeping, leading to progressive damage to your teenager’s teeth. Many people don’t even realize they have this problem, allowing it to go unnoticed for long periods of time. Grinding your teeth can cause enamel to wear away, leading to advanced sensitivity, destruction of enamel, and in some advanced cases, cracked or loosened teeth. Mouthguards can be worn at bedtime to restrict the ability of top teeth to connect with bottom teeth, preventing grinding from occurring.
If you suspect that your teen grinds their teeth, some common indicators to look out for are:
- Headaches
- Vertigo
- Tender Jaw Muscles
Bad Breath Treatment (Halitosis)
In cases where oral hygiene alone does not treat bad breath, there may be an underlying problem. Halitosis is an oral health condition identified by persistent bad breath, and it may require further treatment to be resolved. A common cause of routine bad breath is gum disease. Catching this condition early can not only end bad breath, but save your teen from big dental problems in the future. If gum disease is not the cause, a tongue scraper may benefit your teen if they are experiencing bad breath despite routine brushing and flossing. Take your teen to their primary care physician if this does not help. A sinus infection or allergies may be the cause of halitosis.
Maintaining the Health of Your Teen’s Teeth & Gums
As your child gets older, they face a greater need for maintaining the health of their teeth and gums. Teenagers experience many changes in their life during this time, including school, relationships, and personal growth. While these are all incredible factors in their development, they can also lead to stress and shifting priorities, sometimes resulting in a decline in the quality of their dental care.
Our team is here to support your teenager, keeping them on track and protecting their smile as they age. Our mission is to build a foundation for their dental health and make each visit to our office a positive experience. At Chester County Dentistry for Children, we care about our guests and want to see their dental health thrive for years to come! Schedule their appointment online today and allow our team in West Chester, PA to provide them the care they deserve!