Best Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Your Teenage Years

As a teenager, this is the time in your life in which you should reinforce the oral hygiene habits you were taught as a child. If you constantly apply these habits in your life, you will be more likely to have a healthy and bright smile for the rest of your life. You should take special care if you’re wearing braces, and use specific tools in this case.

Some of the key things any dentist in Winnipeg will advise you to do is to brush your teeth. This sounds like very basic advice but it’s not as simple as that. First of all, you should do it at least twice a day. Second of all, the ideal toothpaste will have fluoride, which will aid in plaque removal. This is key for a healthy smile.

Just like adults do, you should visit a dental clinic near you at least twice a year for professional cleaning. This way, you make sure plaque doesn’t accumulate making you more prone to cavities. In addition, if you’re wearing braces, then you must regularly attend your checkups. If you don’t, your time with the orthodontic treatment may lengthen.

Floss every day. We know this might take a bit extra of your time but it’s totally worth it! If you don’t want your dentist to have to face tartar, this is the way to go. Tartar is the result of plaque buildup and it’ll form a yellow film on your teeth.

Everyone loves sweets, but it’s best to avoid sugary treats as much as possible. Sticky foods can also be detrimental for your teeth because they can cause enamel deterioration.

Special Things To Consider

Some teenagers might have specific needs during these years. Therefore, it’s important that you visit your dental clinic in Winnipeg to make sure these needs are being met. Some of them are:

Mouth Guards: Teenagers playing any type of sports should wear these. They can be custom-made in a dental clinic near you and their function is instrumental for your dental health. They will help you avoid permanent damage to your teeth if you fall, clash, or have any type of incident during the practice of your sport.

Smoking: We know it might seem cool to smoke, but all you’re doing is causing damage to your body, including your mouth. Aside from increasing the risk of suffering from different types of cancer, you are also affecting your dental health in general. Any dentist in Winnipeg will tell you that you’ll stain your teeth, have bad breath, and you will be more likely to suffer from gum disease. If you don’t smoke, it is best to avoid it. If you do, don’t forget to mention this to your dentist.

Eating Disorders: If you have an eating disorder such as bulimia, then it’s time to look for special help. A professional at a dental clinic near you might help with the damage brought to your enamel. This is caused by the constant presence of stomach acid in your mouth due to frequent vomiting. However, psychological professional help is needed for you to overcome this disorder and live a healthier life.

Braces: This is very common in teenagers as this is the perfect time to fix mounting or crooked teeth. Although they might not be aesthetically pleasing, you should think about braces as an investment. This way, once your teeth are aligned, you will have a very nice smile. Furthermore, it’ll be easier to keep your teeth clean and you’ll avoid future dental diseases.

Get Your Nutrition Right: As we’ve mentioned, an overabundance of sweets and sticky foods in your diet will have negative effects on your teeth. Foods rich in starches will have the same effect. Your dentist in Winnipeg might help you treat the enamel damaged by these meals, but you should also change the quality of your snacks. Things like yogurt, fruits, and vegetables are healthier and more advisable options. Try to also avoid sodas and sports drinks as they can also be detrimental to the health of your teeth.

Piercings: You might be thinking of getting an oral piercing, but you should consider the possible complications first. The metal piece might cause damage to your teeth, and the site of the piercing might become infected. Therefore, it’s advisable that you go to a dental clinic near you before getting the piercing. That way your dentist can advise you on the things you should do to take care of it properly and avoid any type of complication.