When it comes to oral health, adolescence is a pivotal time for Lafayette youth. On the upside, the last of the permanent teeth come in providing young men and women with their “adult smile.” Good habits can be forged and reinforced. Teeth can be corrected with orthodontia, providing increased confidence when it is often sorely needed.
On the downside, some teenagers take up habits that are detrimental to their teeth. Adolescents often don’t understand the importance of proper dental hygiene and how itinfluences lifelong oral health. Some young Lafayette men and women develop teenage cavities that can cause recurring dental problems in later years.
Eating disorders are far too common among Lafayette area teenagers. Bulimia can cause enamel erosion, decay, and even complete tooth loss. We strongly urge parents to intervene immediately and seek appropriate medical care if they suspect their teen has an eating disorder.
The importance of diet cannot be overstated. Adolescence is a time when many young Boulder men and women decrease their calcium intake – a danger to both bones and teeth. The consumption of energy drinks and sugared soda also contribute to tooth and gum problems in teenagers.
In addition, youth that use tobacco and illegal drugs have an increased risk of dental caries and oral cancer. Oral piercings can be extremely dangerous. The health risks include tooth and gum damage, infection, allergic reactions, nerve damage, and excessive swelling that can block airways.
Teens who are undergoing orthodontic treatment often have a difficult time properly cleaning their teeth. It is a challenge to fit toothbrush bristles and floss under dental hardware. Toothbrushes and flossing devices that squirt water can help youth with braces adequately clean their teeth and gums.
Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry advises Colorado parents to make sure their adolescents receive twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Gordon West can identify and treat oral issues in their early stages so that further damage can be prevented or minimized.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following vital guidelines for adolescent oral health:
Teens should drink fluoridated water.
Fluoride supplementation is recommended for high risk teens that don’t have access to fluoridated water (up to age 16).
Teens should use fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
Teens should floss daily.1
To schedule a thorough teen dental examination and cleaning, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335. The team of state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment dental professionals at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry is devoted to oral health for Lafayette area patients of all ages.
1“Protecting All Children’s Teeth, Oral Health in Adolescence,” https://www2.aap.org/oralhealth/pact/, accessed September 17, 2014
Contact Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry:
303-665-5335
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026