If your teenager is gearing up to head back to school, it’s time to start thinking about their dental health.
Are you in charge of caring for the dental health of a teenager 15 years of age or older? Scheduling a dental checkup is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Routine dental checkups also help catch any oral health issues developing early on.
Explore our 5 tips to prepare your teen for a dental cleaning and oral health evaluation.
1. Schedule Dental Appointments Early
Scheduling appointments early is key to avoiding the rush. School is quickly approaching, and many students are trying to get last-minute dental appointments before school starts. As a result, you could end up waiting longer than necessary for an appointment.
Plan for clean teeth. Schedule a dental exam and cleaning following summer break or as early as the beginning of August.
2. Discuss Dental Issues
During the dental visit, the dentist will discuss any dental issues your teen is experiencing and suggest a treatment plan. These concerns may include tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and emerging or impacted wisdom teeth.
Teenagers may encounter new dental issues such as tooth pain and sensitivity, third molars, or bad breath. Bring up any problems affecting a healthy smile when scheduling an appointment to prepare the dentist for your teen’s dental needs. A dentist will recommend proactive steps your teen can take for oral care.
3. Review Dental History
Dental palate expanders, retainers, and braces are common orthodontic appliances for children with teeth alignment issues.
Share the history of orthodontic or pediatric dental treatments your teen received as a child when scheduling an appointment. This information will help your teen’s dentist provide the best possible treatment plan for their oral health.
4. Prepare for the Dental Appointment
The dental appointment will typically include an examination of the teeth, gums, and mouth. The dentist will check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. To assess oral health, a dental X-ray may be taken.
The dentist or hygienist will also clean your teen’s teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup. The dentist may also offer a fluoride treatment.
The dentist will review xrays and discuss any necessary follow-up dental treatments. Dental improvements and oral hygiene recommendations will be discussed.
5. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene is crucial for healthy teeth and gums and overall health. As a parent, you can help your teen build upon the good oral habits they established as children.
The National Library of Medicine reports children with poor oral health were more likely to experience dental pain. Toothaches and dental health issues can lead to increased school absences and poor academic performance.
Preventing and treating dental problems and improving dental health may benefit child academic achievement and cognitive and psychosocial development.
- Encourage your teen to wear a mouthguard for sports to protect teeth.
- Choose dental-friendly food options to eat.
- Drink plenty of water to improve hydration and prevent dry mouth.
Teens should brush their teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse their mouths after meals. They should also visit the dentist every six months for a dental checkup.
Schedule a Back-to-School Dental Appointment
Adding dental care to the back-to-school routine is critical to promote overall well-being. Scheduling appointments early, discussing dental issues, and establishing excellent oral hygiene habits are essential to safeguard your teen’s oral health.
Help your teen maintain a radiant smile and healthy teeth by building upon the good oral habits established during childhood. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene can protect against cavities and tooth decay.
Start the school year with a confident smile. Contact our dental experts at 1-855-NO FEARS or request an appointment online to schedule a dental appointment. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, and Greensburg.