What Dental Problems Plague Teens?
By Lennox Lin | Published on March 28, 2011 | 0 Comments
Look online, and you’ll probably find a surplus of articles and guides written about pediatric dentistry as well as caring for the teeth and gums of senior citizens. But what about teenagers? Their oral health is just as important and needs special attention as well. As a full-service dental office, Brighton Dental Associates, led by Lennox Lin DDS, treats patients of all ages and in varying stages of oral health.
Patients in their teens, Dr. Lin explains, are often at risk for tooth decay and gum disease because they do not comply with the at-home dental care that their dentists recommend. Once a child reaches a certain age, parents should not have to supervise his brushing and flossing anymore. However, this doesn’t always mean that teens are doing a good enough job. In particular, Dr. Lin explains, teens don’t tend to floss on a regular basis, which makes gingivitis and escalated cases of gum disease a major problem for this age group.
In addition, teenagers often have to deal with new additions to their mouths, particularly their wisdom teeth. It’s not uncommon, Dr. Lin explains, for wisdom teeth to become impacted, cause problems, and need to be removed. After examining a patient and how the wisdom teeth are growing in, if it’s a situation that Dr. Lin feels would be best handled by a surgeon, then he will happily refer a patient to the right specialist.
As the result of impacted wisdom teeth or the continuing bone growth that teens experience, Brighton Dental Associates also has many young adult patients who have misaligned bites or crooked teeth. By working both with these patients and their parents, Dr. Lin, who practices family dentistry in Boston, can create dental treatment plans that integrate the use of braces or Invisalign. These products work to gradually move the teeth into alignment and create a more comfortable and functional bite.
While the decision to brush and floss or not is ultimately up to your teen, Dr. Lin says that as a parent, you should set a positive example in the home and reinforce the importance of strong oral health. Additionally, if you or your teen have any questions regarding the best technique for home care, the staff at Brighton Dental Associates is always more than willing to address them. It is also important that you encourage your child to come to the office at least once every six months for a thorough examination to ensure that there are no problems. At these appointments, a dentist can absolutely tell if patients have been brushing and flossing properly.
Furthermore, it’s important to explain to your teen that the dentist ultimately has his best interests in mind; so when a dentist doles out advice, it’s necessary to follow it. Whether you’re three, 93, or any age in between, great oral health is attainable if you’re willing to make the effort and follow directions.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.