Teen Dental

The best way for teens to enjoy a nice smile and healthy teeth is to continue the good oral habits started early in childhood. Whether or not you wear braces or other orthodontic treatment, it is important to:

• Brush twice a day to remove plaque. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline. If plaque is not removed daily, it can harden into tartar —an unsightly, hard yellow build-up.
• Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks.
• Visit your local 1300SMILS dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

In addition to helping teeth last a lifetime, a clean mouth simply makes you feel good. It also gives you fresher breath and a nicer looking smile.

What Special Dental Issues Should a Teenager Know About?

Dental problems can and do occur during the teen years. Becoming better informed about issues that effect oral health can make it easier to make the best decisions.

• Mouth Guards — if you play sports, mouth guards are critical to protecting your smile. These devices typically cover the upper teeth, and are designed to protect against broken teeth, cut lips and other damage to your mouth. If you wear braces or other fixed dental appliances (such as a bridge) on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well.
• Nutrition — nutrition plays a key role in your dental health. The sugars and starches in many snack foods and drinks support the formation of plaque, which destroys tooth enamel. Limit the number of snacks you eat and drink — each time you consume foods and drinks that contain sugars or starches, your teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more. Eating a well-balanced diet from the five food groups can make a big difference in your dental health. For snacks, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit.
• Smoking —. In addition to other health problems, smoking can stain your teeth and gums, stain the tartar build-up on your teeth and contribute to bad breath. In the long run, chewing tobacco, cigarettes and cigars all increase your risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease. If you do use tobacco, let your dentist and physician know, and make sure you tell them about any mouth problems you may be experiencing.
• Oral Piercing — despite its popularity, oral piercing can cause complications such as infections, uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage. You can also choke on studs, barbells, or hoops that come loose, and the metal jewelry can also chip or crack teeth and damage your gums. If you're considering oral piercing, let your 1300SMILES dentist know; he or she can help you make the safest choices.

 Have you received a Medicare teen dental voucher for  $159.85 towards the cost of preventative dental treatment? Use your  Medic are Teen Dental Voucher at 1300SMILES and receive a FREE dental check up & clean. But Hurry your vouchers expires on December 31 2011.  Misplaced your Medicare Teen Dental Voucher? Call Medicare on 132 011 and request a replacement.

Article source Colgate.com