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(989)
872-3870
6240
Hill Street
Cass City, MI 48726
E-mail us
for more
information
Copyright © 2003-2004
James
D. Thomas, DDS, PC
All Rights Reserved |
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The teenage years
can be an enjoyable time...years to experience new things, such
as learning how to drive (watch the road!), starting to shave (Jonathan,
did you shave today?), playing sports (go team!) and preparing
for college or a career. The mouth undergoes great changes during
this
time as well, growing to handle the work of using 32 adult teeth.
This is a time when orthodontics treatment may be done. And developing
great
hygiene habits should be a priority.
Sip
All Day, Get Decay
Most teenagers don't
take care of their teeth the way they should, by maintaining good hygiene
habits. In fact, 80% of cases of tooth decay in the United States are
found in teenagers. And over 80% of teenagers have cavities by age
17. This is a time when many teens start to drink a lot of pop and
consume excessive amounts of sweets. Consuming too many sweets, or
sipping pop (or sports drinks) through the day can lead to tooth decay,
as shown in the following equation:
Pop contains a large
amount of sugar (9-12 teaspoons! in a 12 ounce can of pop is typical).
Pop is also very acidic. Even diet pop still contains the acid. Excessive
pop consumption and poor hygiene habits combine to lead to an increased
amount of tooth decay in teens.
For more information
about increased pop consumption and refreshment tips from the Michigan
Dental Association, click here: Sip
All Day, Get Decay.
Hygiene
Habits
Taking care of your
teeth can pay off in fewer cavities and healthier teeth. The early
teen years are normally the time when good hygiene habits are at their
worst. Help your teens to develop great hygiene habits. Here are some
tips for establishing these habits:
- Brush your
teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss between
the teeth once a day.
- Refreshments:
It's better to choose healthy drinks for refreshments, such as
milk, or 100% fruit juices. If you do consume pop, limit your
intake to one a day and drink it quickly, perferably with a meal.
Brush your teeth afterwards, if possible.
- If you are
unable to brush after eating, at least rinse your mouth with water,
so that the sugar and acid don't stay on the surfaces of your
teeth for the entire afternoon.
- Don't eat sweets
after you brush, before bedtime. That sweet treat will stay on
the surfaces of your teeth all night.
- Snacks: Try
to avoid sweet, sticky snacks. Fresh fruit, popcorn and crunchy
vegtables are better choices.
- Be sure to
come see us for your 6-month checkup and hygiene appointments.
- Another great
idea for one of those school reports or presentations: Study about
Tooth Decay and How to take care of those teeth.
For instructions
on proper brushing and flossing techniques click here How
to brush and floss
Sports
If your teen plays
sports where an impact to the mouth may occur, an important investment
that can protect his or her teeth is a mouth guard. A mouthguard distributes
the force of an impact to all of the teeth that are protected, instead
of a single tooth absorbing the brunt of that impact. There are several
types of mouthgaurds available, including boil and bite type models.
We can take an impression of your teeth and prepare a professional
fitted mouthguard. Talk to us for more information about mouthguard
options.
Orthodontics
The teenage years
are a common time when orthodontic treatment takes place. When the
teeth or jaws do not align properly it may be necessary to start orthodontics.
Orthodontics are necessary for the following reasons:
- Proper speech
- Prevent decay
due to crowding or improper spacing (it is easier to clean when
teeth are aligned properly)
- Proper breathing
- Appearance
- Proper alignment
of teeth, which not only provides better chewing (which is what
the teeth are for), but also allows the jaw joints to function
naturally and harmoniuosly
Special attention
should be given to clean the teeth under and around orthodontic appliances
during this treatment. Bacteria grow on the tooth surfaces under and
around these appliances. Additional brushing should be focussed on
these areas to remove bacterial plaque that grow around orthodontic
appliances. At your next hygiene visit ask us for additional tips on
keeping your teeth clean during your orthodontic treatment.
Mouth
Changes
Many changes occur
in the mouth during the teen years. Changes occur during the early
teen years, then again during the later teen years.
Second
Molars. Typically, between the ages of 12-14 the
2nd molars erupt. This is of significant importance because this
is also at the age where good oral hygiene habits are at their
worst. Extra care needs to be taken to maintain 6 month checkups
and good home care.
Wisdom
Teeth. Ages
17-21 is again a time when we see new teeth erupting; the wisdom
teeth. Erupting wisdom teeth can cause discomfort in the jaw. If
the teen has orthodontic treatment wisdom teeth evaluation is especially
important, as they can cause crowding. Sometime in this age range
we will take a panoramic X-ray that will show the position of the
teeth and will aide in their removal, if necessary.
Swollen
Gums. Other changes that occur are often associated
with gingivitis (swollen gum tissue). These are typically seen
during times of hormonal changes or if your teen is a mouth breather.
Early signs of gingivitis are gums that bleed when brushed or flossed,
and gums that are bright red and swollen instead of pink. Good
oral hygiene habits will help combat this.
For instructions
on good oral hygiene habits click here How
to brush and floss
Oral
Piercing and Tattooing
One of the fads for
young people is oral piercing and tattooing. If you (or your teenager)
is considering having your tongue, lips, cheek or another oral site
pierced or tattooed, some serious consequences should be considered,
which ought to dissuade you:
- There is a
serious risk of infection and allergic reaction.
- Pain and swelling
should be expected for several days after getting this done.
- The barbell
end will probably cause chipped or broken teeth.
- Jewelry can
make eating difficult, and change the way foods taste by affecting
your taste buds.
- Jewelry can
interfere with speaking clearly.
- More serious
effects may occur, such as bone exposure from rubbing contact,
nerve damage, permanent drooling, toxic shock or stroke.
If you are still
considering having your mouth pierced or tattooed, make an appointment
and talk with your dentist before having it done. The owner shown
in the picture wishes he hadn't gotten his tongue pierced or tattooed.
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