Navigating the teenage years brings its own set of challenges and changes, not least of which occur in dental health and care. As children enter adolescence, their dental needs evolve, often becoming more complex with the introduction of orthodontics, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the growing importance of self-image. For this reason, teenage dentistry requires a gentle, yet comprehensive approach to ensure your child maintains a healthy smile.
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While we discussed dental milestones from infancy to adolescence in a previous blog, specific attention should be given to the changes that occur as children move from the elementary years into the teenage years.
PreTeen Dentistry
It’s not uncommon for preteens to experience crowding, misalignment, or other issues as their adult teeth come in. Regular dental check-ups help track these changes and determine the best course of action. At Cedarwood Dentistry, we recommend that adolescents get an orthodontic consult around age 13 unless earlier issues are detected or parents want to begin that journey sooner.
“In some cases it’s not necessary to see an orthodontist right away,” explains Dr. Wolberg. “In these cases, we generally recommend that families wait a year or so to see how the teeth continue to come in. When it comes to orthodontics, we want to address any growth issues but also avoid having a child need braces twice because things continued to shift after the first set was removed and maintenance wasn’t observed.”
Parent Tip from Dr. Wolberg: Encourage your preteen to stay involved in their dental care routine. Discussing the changes happening in their mouths can help demystify dental visits and orthodontic treatments, making them more comfortable and cooperative patients. For children who do get braces, Cedarwood Dentistry recommends the use of a water pick at home for more thorough cleaning.
Teen Dentistry
During the teen years, dental home care is all over the board as some teens take it seriously while others do not. It is also a time when kids might be drinking coffee for the first time or consuming energy drinks, which can both negatively impact your dental health. For this reason, continued routine dental visits are especially important.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, teenage dentistry often includes taking photos of teens’ teeth before a cleaning so they can show the patient after their visit what their teeth look like & have a conversation about it.
“There are so many good options out there to make your water taste good without it being harmful for your teeth,” says Dr. Woberg. “We encourage our patients and parents to replace sugary drinks with some of those options. Gatorade zero, seltzer water, and other electrolyte beverages that don’t have sugar are all good options.”
Teens are generally accepting of the knowledge that they might be consuming too much acid or sugar, especially when they can see photos of their teeth, and make a change to start seeing fewer cavities. For teens that have braces, Cedarwood takes ample time to clean between the braces during visits as well. In addition to routine care, Cedarwood also begins discussing teen cosmetic dentistry treatments with interested patients.
Parent Tip: Set a good example for your teens when it comes to diet and oral health. If you aren’t consuming sodas and don’t have them in the house, your teen is less likely to reach for a soft drink when available.
Try Cedarwood Dentistry for Your Teen’s Dentistry Needs
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we’re committed to guiding teens and their families through the preteen and teen years with care, understanding, and expertise. By addressing orthodontic needs, educating on the impacts of lifestyle choices, and providing cosmetic solutions when desired, we empower our teenage patients to take control of their oral health and self-esteem. Schedule your teens next dental visit with Cedarwood Dentistry by contacting us today!