When you reach your teenage years, you will be noticing major changes in your appearance as puberty kicks in. This is a time when good oral hygiene practices should be in place. Tartar is a hard substance that develops on the tooth enamel and is commonly found between the teeth and gumline. However, with the right oral hygiene routine in place, you can ensure that there is never a build-up of plaque or tartar on your teeth.
Correct Brushing & Flossing
It cannot be overemphasised how important it is to brush and floss on a daily basis. You should teach your child to brush correctly and do check periodically to ensure that they are following your lead. If you are looking for a teenager-friendly dentist in Robina on the Gold Coast, for example, a Google search will help you locate their website and you can make an initial appointment for you and your family. Flossing is very important as this removes trapped food particles between the teeth and don’t be afraid to ask your child if they floss and how often.
Electric Toothbrush
There is evidence that an electric toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque from the teeth. If your teenage son or daughter doesn’t have an electric toothbrush, this would make for an ideal birthday gift.
Fluoride Toothpaste
You should use only toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this protects the tooth enamel and helps to prevent the build-up of plaque, which eventually becomes tartar. Of course, there are many brands of toothpaste so if you are unsure what is best, ask your dentist for a brand recommendation.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a very unhealthy habit. It won’t do your teeth any good either, as tobacco causes staining and discolouration. If you haven’t discussed smoking with your teenage child, this is something you should do. Some kids think it is cool to smoke and before long, they are addicted and face a lifetime of smoking, so do make a point of informing your child of the health risks.
Avoid Food and Drink High in Sugar Content
We all know that sugar is a major cause of tooth decay, especially in teenagers, who have a sweet tooth. By keeping an eye on what they eat, you can make sure they don’t have too much sugar in their diet.
Antiseptic Mouthwash
Teenagers are always snacking and drinking sodas and these kinds of food and drink are high is sugar content. Therefore, you should always rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash, as this removes most of the sugar that is deposited on the teeth. Once you get into the habit of carrying a small bottle, it soon becomes second nature to swill after consuming snacks or sweets.
