Helping your teen understand the importance of their oral health can be a game changer. It can help improve their oral health, reduce their risk for harmful dental issues, and set them up for success as they enter adulthood. Talking with your teen can be tough as they are navigating and growing a lot during adolescence. Below you will find helpful tips on how to help your teen avoid cavities and improve their oral health.
How to Help Your Teen Avoid Cavities
As teenagers grow up and gain more independence, it’s helpful to ensure their oral health is in good shape. This can be more difficult as your teen grows older as they likely do not want lectures about anything from their parents. Talk with your teen about the following tips to ensure they avoid getting cavities.
Start the Conversation:
Discuss the importance of oral health with your teen. Research shows that the quality of one’s oral health as a child is a strong indicator of their long-term oral health into adulthood. Preserving one’s natural teeth and avoiding harmful dental issues can save money and time in the dentist’s chair. In addition, oral health is directly linked to one’s overall health. Letting your teen know how simple and important oral care can be for the long-term can help motivate them.
Daily Oral Care Routine:
Maintaining a consistent daily oral care routine is an important step when it comes to preventing cavities. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, including in the morning and at night. In addition to brushing it’s important to floss at least once a day, preferably at night before bed.
Regular Dental Visits:
It is recommended that teens visit the dentist at least twice a year. It is important to consult with a family dentist in Chino Hills about when and how often your teen should visit the dentist. Patients who have a history of tooth decay or gum disease may need to see the dentist more often.
Staying Hydrated:
Ensuring that your teen consumes enough water is important for their dental and overall health. Dry mouth can be a breeding ground for cavities. Have your teen aim for 8 glasses of water each day. If your teen doesn’t like water, experiment with adding fruit to add some flavor. Lime and cucumber or raspberry and mint are great combinations to add to water.
Reduce Sugar and Processed Foods:
Sugar and processed foods can combine with harmful bacteria and cause dental issues. Having your teen reduce the amount of sugar and processed foods they eat can help reduce their risk for cavities. When your teen does consume these foods and drinks, it’s important for them to brush their teeth after. It’s important to immediately rinse with water and brush 30 minutes after the foods are consumed. This will help preserve your teen’s enamel and help prevent cavities.
Dental Fillings in Chino Hills
While it’s important to care for your oral health, cavities can occur. If your teen has a cavity, it’s important to address the issue right away. This is because cavities can lead to more harmful dental issues. Dental fillings in Chino Hills are the most effective treatment for cavities. Dental fillings can help address the damage caused by tooth decay and preserve your natural tooth.
If your teen has a cavity or is due for a regular cleaning, contact the team at Dental Care of Chino Hills. Their team is experienced in family dentistry and have helped countless patients restore their oral health. Contact their office to schedule an appointment today!