Dental Care for Teenagers: Supporting Your Teen's Smile

Watching your child grow into a teenager is surely a special moment for parents. However, as they become busier with schoolwork, activities, and friends, dental care often takes a back seat, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Knowing how to encourage better oral hygiene habits and understanding what dental care they might need during these years can help you protect both their teeth and their confidence.

Why is dental care important for teenagers?

Good oral health is important for teenagers because it supports their physical wellbeing and confidence, as well as influencing the habits they will take into adulthood. Here are three reasons why dental care is important for teenagers:

Preventing cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay

Teenagers are at higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay due to busy schedules, dietary choices, and inconsistent brushing habits. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to painful treatments, missed school days, and even long-term dental complications.

Gingivitis, for example, is a common early stage of gum disease that can be reversed with consistent care. If ignored, what starts as minor gum irritation can progress to more serious dental problems.

Building confidence and supporting overall health

Having healthy teeth and fresh breath is important for teenagers as they navigate their social world. When they feel good about their smile, they engage with their peers more confidently. Oral health is also connected to overall wellbeing, supporting heart and metabolic health.

Establishing lifelong healthy habits

Habits formed during adolescence often carry into adulthood. Teenagers who develop consistent oral care routines now are more likely to maintain these practices throughout their lives.

This results in fewer dental complications and better oral health as they grow older. Supporting your teenager's dental care today helps them build routines that will serve them well into adulthood.

How to help your teenager practise good dental care daily

Supporting your teenager's oral hygiene can be challenging. However, parents can help their teens to protect their teeth and gums by establishing consistent habits and providing guidance. Here are habits that parents can try teaching:

Proper brushing and flossing techniques

To ensure good oral health for your child, you can start by teaching them the basics:

• Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth

Flossing reaches areas toothbrushes miss, helping prevent cavities and gum disease that commonly develop between teeth.

Diet and nutrition for healthy teeth

What your teenager eats directly affects their oral health. A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports strong teeth and healthy gums.

Encourage water instead of fizzy drinks throughout the day. Healthier snacks like cheese, nuts, and crunchy vegetables work better than sweets. Staying hydrated helps rinse away bacteria and promotes saliva production, which naturally protects teeth.

Protecting teeth during sports

If your teenager plays contact sports, a custom-fitted mouth guard protects against injuries like chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. Your dentist can help you find the best option for your teen.

Habits that harm teenage dental health

We understand that certain habits can be difficult to address. Tobacco and alcohol use can lead to serious dental concerns, including oral cancer and gum disease.

Stress-related teeth grinding (bruxism) is also common amongst teenagers. If your teen grinds their teeth, your dentist can suggest stress management techniques or provide a mouthguard to protect teeth during sleep.

If your teenager grinds their teeth at night or plays contact sports without protection, request an appointment with Thomson Dental Centre. Our dentists can provide custom mouthguards and discuss practical solutions to protect your teen's teeth from damage.

What dental care procedures do teenagers need?

Your teenager may need different procedures depending on their oral health, from routine check-ups to orthodontics or restorative treatments. Knowing these options can help you both feel prepared.

Preventive treatments and regular check-ups

Think of preventive care as your teen's foundation for healthy teeth. Six-monthly visits allow your dentist to spot concerns early and keep everything on track.

Dental X-rays help identify hidden cavities, while dental sealants add protection to vulnerable back teeth. Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel (the outer layer of teeth) naturally. These simple, comfortable procedures help your teen avoid more complex treatments down the line.

Orthodontic treatment options

Many teenagers benefit from orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners to address alignment or bite concerns. Your orthodontist will assess your teen's needs and guide you through the options.

You might consider the following treatments:

• Traditional metal braces, which are reliable for correcting alignment concerns

• Ceramic braces, that are a less visible alternative

• Clear aligners, which are removable and discreet for suitable cases

Your orthodontist will support your teen with proper cleaning techniques, regular scaling and polishing, and check-ins to ensure treatment progresses smoothly.

Restorative and emergency procedures

Even with routine oral care, your teen may occasionally need restorative treatment, including:

• Tooth fillings, which address cavities

• Root canal treatment, which saves teeth when decay runs deeper

• Dental crowns, which restore damaged teeth

• Tooth extraction when necessary, which may be the best option for a tooth that cannot be saved

If your teenager experiences a knocked-out tooth, severe pain or swelling, don't hesitate to contact our dentists at Thomson Dental Centre.

Wisdom teeth management

Wisdom teeth usually appear during the late teenage years. Your dentist can keep an eye on their development through routine X-rays.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist will only recommend wisdom teeth extraction if they're causing discomfort, becoming impacted, or creating crowding. They'll walk you through what your teen needs and support you both through the process if removal is necessary.

If you're unsure whether your teenager needs braces, sealants, or wisdom teeth monitoring, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our dentists can assess their needs and recommend the best approach.

FAQ

How often should your teenager see the dentist?

Every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings is typical, though your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your teen's individual needs.

Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?

No. Removal is only recommended when they cause pain, impaction, crowding, or recurring infections. Your dentist will monitor their development and advise accordingly.

How to prevent your teenager from getting cavities?

Are braces the only way to straighten teeth?

What should parents do if there is a dental emergency?

Can teenagers get teeth whitening treatments?

Can chewing gum damage your teenager's teeth?

Sugar-free gum is actually helpful – it stimulates saliva production, which naturally protects teeth by neutralising acids. Just make sure to avoid gum with sugar.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Dental Centre. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Dental Centre today.