We know that children are more prone to cavities than adults so doesn’t it stand to reason that as they get older the risk decreases? If that’s the case then why are so many teenagers still at above-average risk? The answer may have a lot to do with lifestyle.
A teen’s life is a busy one, schoolwork is becoming more difficult, sports and extracurricular activities are more demanding and part-time jobs take up a lot of after school and nighttime hours. Even if your teenager has been brought up knowing the importance of good oral health and has followed the rules of home dental care, he or she may no longer be able – or willing – to devote the time that it takes. It may seem easier to just rinse with mouthwash before rushing off to school or forgetting to brush for a full two minutes before bedtime.
Changing hormones is given throughout the teenage years. A lesser-known fact is that this change can increase the number of bacteria found in and around the gum tissue. Orthodontics also plays a role. A lot of kids start wearing braces in their early teens and it’s harder to brush thoroughly around all that hardware. Improper brushing is a major contributing factor to tooth decay and gum disease.
Talk to Dr. Kaelin about the dental issues specific to your teenager. Call Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry @ 303-835-9330 in Parker, CO.