Dental Guide for Teens
Common proplems
Crooked teeth
Having crooked teeth or large gaps between your teeth can cause problems. Food and bacteria could get stuck between the teeth which could cause decay. Similarly, if your teeth stick out, this could cause problems, either with mouth ulcers and decay, or with speech problems. Your dentist might suggest that you have your teeth straightened through orthodontics - by wearing a brace.
The majority of orthodontics is carried out on teenagers, but increasing numbers of adults are opting for orthodontics too. Your dentist will probably refer you to a specialist - an orthodontist - who will take examine and probably x-ray your teeth to see how best to straighten them.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable. They look similar to small blisters and can be caused by a tooth rubbing against the tongue or cheek, a lack of vitamin B12, anemia or even stress. Treatment of ulcers is quite simple and they will usually heal within 7 days. If you have an ulcer, avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes as the acid may aggravate it. If they last for more than two weeks, you should go and see your dentist as they may be an early indication of something more serious.
When Accidents Happen
Accidents happen, especially if you're playing sports. You can help avoid injuries when playing sports by wearing a specially-fitted mouth guard. However if your teeth do get, chipped or damaged, then your dentist may be able to repair them.
Oral Hygiene
Bad breath
Having bad breath can have a drastic effect on your social life - not to mention your love life. But don't panic - it's usually very easy to sort out. Bad breath is mostly caused by strong smelling food or drink, smoking or by not brushing your teeth properly.
If you want to keep your breath - and your mouth - nice and fresh, you need to make sure you're brushing properly, using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with a small head. This will let you get into all the nooks and crannies in your mouth and help you get rid of all the old bits of food and bacteria that might be lurking there. Use small circular motions with the brush and don't forget to brush the backs of the teeth and your tongue, as bacteria can hide here too.
If you're worried that your breath smells, don't be tempted to just suck on a mint and hope the problem goes away. Most mints are full of sugar and what that will do is feed the bacteria already in your mouth and make the problem worse. If you can't get to a toothbrush and toothpaste, try chewing some sugar-free gum. This will stimulate the saliva in your mouth which can then help flight the bacteria.
Smoking Smoking can have a massive effect on your mouth. Not only will it give you bad breath, it can reduce your ability to taste things, stain your teeth and, in some cases, cause mouth cancer. Giving up smoking isn't easy, so the best thing is never to start. Don't be pressured by your friends to start. Whatever they say, it doesn't look cool. And if you're tempted, remember what an ashtray smells like, and ask yourself if you really want your breath, your hair and your clothes to smell like that.
Having crooked teeth or large gaps between your teeth can cause problems. Food and bacteria could get stuck between the teeth which could cause decay. Similarly, if your teeth stick out, this could cause problems, either with mouth ulcers and decay, or with speech problems. Your dentist might suggest that you have your teeth straightened through orthodontics - by wearing a brace.
The majority of orthodontics is carried out on teenagers, but increasing numbers of adults are opting for orthodontics too. Your dentist will probably refer you to a specialist - an orthodontist - who will take examine and probably x-ray your teeth to see how best to straighten them.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable. They look similar to small blisters and can be caused by a tooth rubbing against the tongue or cheek, a lack of vitamin B12, anemia or even stress. Treatment of ulcers is quite simple and they will usually heal within 7 days. If you have an ulcer, avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes as the acid may aggravate it. If they last for more than two weeks, you should go and see your dentist as they may be an early indication of something more serious.
When Accidents Happen
Accidents happen, especially if you're playing sports. You can help avoid injuries when playing sports by wearing a specially-fitted mouth guard. However if your teeth do get, chipped or damaged, then your dentist may be able to repair them.
Oral Hygiene
Bad breath
Having bad breath can have a drastic effect on your social life - not to mention your love life. But don't panic - it's usually very easy to sort out. Bad breath is mostly caused by strong smelling food or drink, smoking or by not brushing your teeth properly.
If you want to keep your breath - and your mouth - nice and fresh, you need to make sure you're brushing properly, using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with a small head. This will let you get into all the nooks and crannies in your mouth and help you get rid of all the old bits of food and bacteria that might be lurking there. Use small circular motions with the brush and don't forget to brush the backs of the teeth and your tongue, as bacteria can hide here too.
If you're worried that your breath smells, don't be tempted to just suck on a mint and hope the problem goes away. Most mints are full of sugar and what that will do is feed the bacteria already in your mouth and make the problem worse. If you can't get to a toothbrush and toothpaste, try chewing some sugar-free gum. This will stimulate the saliva in your mouth which can then help flight the bacteria.
Smoking Smoking can have a massive effect on your mouth. Not only will it give you bad breath, it can reduce your ability to taste things, stain your teeth and, in some cases, cause mouth cancer. Giving up smoking isn't easy, so the best thing is never to start. Don't be pressured by your friends to start. Whatever they say, it doesn't look cool. And if you're tempted, remember what an ashtray smells like, and ask yourself if you really want your breath, your hair and your clothes to smell like that.
