Adolescents' Dental Needs
Adolescents have special needs. Appearance and self-image are very important to them. Decayed or poorly positioned teeth or jaws might make them more self-conscious. Teens also eat frequently, and unhealthy snack foods tend to become a major part of their regular diet. We provide a professional, sensitive and caring approach to restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive dental health care through the teen’s high school years. When necessary, we will provide information on sealants, oral piercing, wisdom teeth, missing teeth and tobacco use.

To My Teenage Patients
A bright smile fresh breath – that’s what a healthy mouth means. It also means you can talk and laugh with confidence. Here are facts, ideas and tips on keeping a healthy smile in your teenage years.

What You Need To Know about Your Dental Health

1. You have not outgrown tooth decay. In fact, dental decay may be more of a problem for you during the teen years than it ever has been before.
2. Gum disease (gingivitis) is a risk to your dental health. It is also a threat to your appearance. Gum disease causes red and swollen gums, bleeding gums and bad breath.
3. You will have all your permanent teeth with the possible exception of your wisdom teeth (third molars). During these growing years, your face and jaws will undergo many changes. You can be healthy and attractive through these changes by taking good care of your teeth and visiting your pediatric dentist.

How You Can Keep a Healthy Smile
It is up to you! What you do and do not do is important. Here is a checklist for a healthy smile:

• Eat intelligently! Life is going to be hectic now. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of junk foods when you eat on the run
• Snack smartly. Be careful of snack foods containing sugar; they can cause damage to the teeth and gums
• Practice good prevention at least twice a day. Brush effectively using a fluoridated toothpaste. Floss to prevent gum disease and tooth decay on the sides of the teeth
• Keep up with your dental checkups. Tooth cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants are important preventive services for you
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco! The warnings you hear and read about are true. Besides lung and heart problems, tobacco can cause oral cancer. Of all cancers, 2.4& occur in the mouth and tobacco use has been estimated to account for over 90% of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx. If you are using tobacco and notice any changes in your mouth, contact your doctor immediately
• Wear a mouth guard for any sport or activity in which your mouth can be hit
• Buckle up in the car. A seat belt and shoulder harness can keep your face from striking the steering wheel, the dashboard, or windshield during minor accidents