On July 1st, 2008, the Medicare Teen Dental Vouchers were introduced by the federal government. This initiative provides eligible teenagers between 12 and 18 years with $150 worth of preventative dental health services.

1300SMILES is one of the few dental practices that “Bulk Bill” these vouchers with Medicare, thus enabling clients to maximise their entitlements with both speed and efficiency.
 
Teenagers experience a rapid growth period and are presented with many exciting times of change in their lives. Bodily changes, schooling, first jobs, technical training, university, social experiences as well as family dynamics, and altered responsibilities can test many existing boundaries that our children have had previously. These changes and challenges can often affect the conditions in the mouth and altered habits may have long term consequences in oral health.

Often these consequences include more than tooth decay, as independent activity of teenagers may result in less frequent tooth brushing, new eating patterns, increased frequency of sweet/sugary or acidic drinks and/or snacks, and less regular dental check-ups.
 
Here are some tips to assist your children to survive the teenager years with good oral health

1. Remember regular and thorough toothbrushing twice per day using fluoride toothpaste for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. A soft small brush replaced often will ensure that gums are gently cleansed and precious enamel is protected from abrasive damage.

3. Have regular dental check-ups so that small problems don’t get out of control and become big ones! Red, swollen and bleeding gums are a sign that gums are not in good condition, with visible holes in teeth often meaning that tooth decay is quite advanced and needs to be attended to quickly if pain is to be avoided and/or the tooth is to be saved.

4. Maintain healthy eating, snacking and drinking habits. Eating “on the go” and frequent snacking can become a problem. Saliva is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay, so give saliva the time it needs to work by limiting the number of times the mouth and teeth are exposed to acid attacks. 

5. Drink more water! Always travel with a water bottle when you’re on the go - thirst quenching and better not only for the teeth, but also for hydrating the body, and great for the skin. Beware of sports drinks as they are very acidic and often contain very high levels of caffeine and/or guarana and can erode the enamel on teeth very quickly lost tooth enamel can never be replaced, and can lead to cavities and extreme tooth sensitivity. This can also be seen in soft drinks, cordials and especially juices, which are all high in both sugar and acids.

6. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking and recreational drug use has dramatic and long lasting effects on the teeth and can be responsible for staining, reduced saliva flow, gum disease and oral cancers.

7. Orthodontics (braces) are very common in the teen years, often teeth and gums are very hard to keep clean during these times , it is very important to still see your dentist or therapist  regularly.

8. Additionally, the temptation to have oral/lip piercings is prevalent in adolescent and early adulthood. The risks of infection to the mouth as well as disease such as hepatitis, tetanus and HIV can be of concern, along with the inevitable damage to tooth enamel and soft tissues from piercing jewellery.

Teenagers of all ages can be reassured that by attending dental check-ups with their dental therapist or regular dentist  through 1300SMILES, will benefit  and have lifelong rewards and continue to SMILE!

Call 1300SMILES (1300 764 537) for your free Medicare Teen Dental check up and clean today.  Or book an appointment online.