At Three Rivers Dental Group, our dentists understand the importance of back-to-school dental checkups for teens age 15 and up. Get your teen ready for the upcoming school year by planning ahead for their dental checkup. Explore common dental issues many teens face, discover what to expect during a back-to-school dental visit, and how to kickstart a preventive care routine. Learn more about the 3 simple steps your teen can take to schedule a dental checkup to get their smile back on track.
Common Concerns Teens Have With Their Teeth
Teens often have unique concerns about teeth, such as tooth color or fear of pain during procedures. Many teens may neglect proper brushing and flossing techniques. This can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Teeth grinding, jaw pain, and fresh breath are common concerns your teen may have. You might be curious about when to remove wisdom teeth, the tooth troubles that mouth piercings can stir up, or if sports and energy drinks could be causing tooth decay. The American Dental Association offers insight to prepare your teen for healthy dental habits.
Dental Fear
Dental technology has made dental procedures more comfortable and less invasive. If your teen is anxious about dental checkups, chat with our dental team about ways to help them relax. Assure your teen that dentists are trained professionals who can provide gentle and effective care.
Appearance of Teeth
Good oral health and dental hygiene habits are important to overall well-being. Adolescents have unique dental needs. Bad breath, tooth loss, stained or discolored teeth, and untreated tooth decay can impact confidence and self-esteem.
Damaged Teeth
Playing sports without the right mouth protection can cause dental injuries like chipped or knocked-out teeth. This is especially important for teenage athletes who engage in contact sports. Talk to your teen about protecting their teeth during athletic play.
Injuries and dietary choices during sports can impact athletes’ teeth. What they are using to fuel their workouts may be affecting dental health. Some common culprits of tooth decay and gum inflammation include:
- Sports Drinks
- Energy Bars and Gels
- Vitamin Gummies
Switch up sports drinks for water or electrolyte-rich choices like zero-sugar coconut or watermelon water for recovery. Go for natural snacks like apples or almonds instead of energy bars and gels to fuel your workout. Make sure to brush and floss twice daily, use fluoride mouth rinse, and keep up with regular dental check-ups for better oral health.
Jaw Pain
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually emerge between ages 17 and 25, but they might pop in earlier. Impacted wisdom teeth can bring pain, infection, and even harm neighboring teeth. Regular dental checkups will help your dentist track how your teen’s teeth are growing to catch any issues early on.
Teeth grinding is a common cause of jaw pain and can harm teeth. Stress and anxiety can add to teeth grinding. Finding ways to reduce stress levels can ease jaw pain. If your teen often has jaw pain, we recommend you see your dentist for the right diagnosis and treatment for dental stress issues.
Getting Prepared for Dental Care
Open communication between parents, teens, and their dentist is key to a successful dental checkup. Discuss good oral hygiene habits and any existing dental issues. Go over how your teen can improve oral health with preventive dental care. These tips will help prepare your teen for a back-to-school dental checkup.
Start the Dental Checkup Scheduling Process Early
School’s almost here, and many students are scrambling for last-minute dental appointments before the bell rings. That rush might mean longer waits for you. It is never too soon to plan your teen’s dental checkup. Aim to book before school begins or at a time that fits your schedule.
Check the School Schedule
Plan the visit around the school’s start date or schedule an early morning or late afternoon dental checkup to avoid missing class. Check out the school calendar in advance. Schedule your teen’s dental checkup around off days during the calendar year so they won’t miss important classes.
Discuss Oral Hygiene Habits and Dental Concerns
Talk with your teen about any oral health issues they may be dealing with and why keeping up with good dental habits is key. Our dental team can address these concerns and prepare your teen for a healthy smile in the new school year. If your teen has been experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, mention this when scheduling their appointment.
Address Oral Hygiene
Adding dental care to the back-to-school routine is critical to promote overall well-being. As your teen gets older, they may need guidance on proper oral hygiene practices. Encourage them to floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth.
The 3-Step Dental Checkup Process
At the visit, our dentists will check oral health and review any follow-up dental treatments needed.
1. Preparing for the Appointment
If you are a new patient, complete the new patient form to request an appointment. Before your teen’s dental appointment, be sure they brush their teeth and floss well for a good clean. You will also need to bring the following items to the appointment.
- Dental insurance card
- Legal photo ID
- A list of current medications
2. During the Appointment
During their dental checkup, we can discuss why regular dental visits are important and provide tips to improve oral hygiene. Our dentists will check out your teen’s permanent teeth and gums, and look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, plaque buildup, tartar, or other oral health issues. They may also take X-rays to get a closer look at their jaw structure and examine how their wisdom teeth are developing.
Our dentists will address any dental concerns during the appointment and treatment options if they find any issues. Use this opportunity to discuss with the dentist steps your teen can take for good oral hygiene. Chat with your teen about why it’s important to keep up with dental check-ups, drop bad habits, and eat the right foods for healthy teeth and gums.
3. Follow Up Dental Treatment and Care
Preventive measures including fluoride treatments or dental sealants can save teeth from cavities. Dental treatments can help protect your teen’s tooth enamel and prevent cavities from forming. Discuss with your dentist what follow-up dental care appointments are recommended. Consider fluoride treatments or dental sealants for follow-up care to shield their teeth from cavities.
Get Back to School with a Healthy Smile
Help your teen start the new school year with a healthy smile and good dental hygiene habits. Call 1-855-NO FEARS if you have any questions or worries about your teen’s dental visit. New patients can also book a dental exam and cleaning online. We have offices located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry Township, Greentree Borough, and Greensburg.