Adolescents (11-18)

As a parent, you are learning how to navigate the ever-changing days, events, and experiences that comes with raising a teenager. Their oral health is probably not at the top of that list, but it is critical to make sure they are maintaining good oral habits. At Michael J. Leach, D.D.S. Pediatric Dentistry, we know that this can be a challenging time and are here to lend a helping hand and assist you in any way that we can. 

Tooth Decay

Even if you have set a good foundation for your teen’s oral health, during these years, those habits can lapse. If good oral hygiene falls by the wayside, the risk of cavity formation increases. If cavities are neglected for a long enough time, major dental issues can arise later in your teenager’s life. To help lessen the chance of your teen getting tooth decay, try to implement healthier snacks and meals that are nutrient-rich. Staying away from sugar and sugary drinks the best that you can is a major way to prevent tooth decay because the major cause of cavities is sugar!

Say No to Smoking and Tobacco Usage

For the last few years, tobacco use in teenagers was on a decline but unfortunately has spiked recently due to the introduction of e-cigarettes such as Juul and Suroin Vagon Black, Drop or any form of vaping. These products wreak havoc on the gums and teeth and can ultimately lead to oral cancer! Be sure to talk with your teenager about the risks associated with using tobacco products. For information, visit the CDC’s website.

Protecting Teeth During Sports

The older your child gets, the more competitive sports get. Are you comfortable trusting a flimsy mouthguard to protect your athlete’s teeth during a game? We figured that the answer was no! Dr. Leach recommends investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard. While these are normally higher priced than the over-the-counter mouthguards, the peace-of-mind that they provide to parents is well worth it. Speak with our team today about what the best option for your child is to protect their smiles while engaging in sports. 

Keep Those Keep Healthy and Shinning

As we mentioned earlier, staying away from sugary foods and tobacco are great ways to maintain a healthy mouth. Additionally, staying away from dark sodas and/or coffee can help prevent staining of the teeth. We are not saying to cut out sodas and sugar completely but do limit the intake to special occasions only so you can keep those bright white teeth.

Contact our team today at Michael J. Leach D.D.S. Pediatric Dentistry Phone Number (770) 521-8855 or visit our office at 4895 Windward Pkwy. Suite 201, Alpharetta, GA 30004.