Preventative Dental Care for Teens
Our top priority is in keeping you healthy. One of the most common diseases is dental caries, it is seven times more prevalent than asthma. And the best way to avoid dental caries is through preventative care. We provide the highest quality of dental care for teens along with instruction so that you can stay healthy.
Routine Dental Checkup Appointments
Routine checkup or “Wellvisit” appointments are so much more than just a regular cleaning. We use every visit as an opportunity to educate and reinforce the importance of oral health with your teenager.
Sealants
Sealants are an important part of preventative dental care. They help to protect the grooves and pits of your teeth. They work especially well on the surfaces of the back teeth that you use for chewing. That is where the majority of decay is occurring. They are made of a clear plastic resin. The procedure can usually be performed comfortably and quickly in one visit.
How will the sealant be applied to my teen?
- First the tooth will be cleaned
- Secondly it will then be dried
- Lastly, the sealant will be painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and then hardened under a special light.
It is highly unlikely that your teen will experience any sensitivity after placing the sealant on the tooth.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that you can find in various foods and water. When you use fluoride in the correct amounts and on a regular basis it helps to prevent dental caries. Fluoride strengthens the enamel to keep it strong it also helps in the “remineralization” of areas that have been weakened and which are often the start of a cavity. You can also find fluoride in many dental products, such as toothpaste, gels, mouth rinses, supplements, mouthwash and varnish. It has been indicated by new research that topical fluoride is an important element in fighting tooth decay and in strengthening teeth.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are an important part of dental prevention for a teen. Imagine if you were to suddenly lose one or two of your teeth, everything from talking, smiling and eating would be affected.
When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouth guard should be an essential part of a teen’s athletic gear. They can prevent serious dental injuries to active teens.
If you have bruxism (persistent grinding) and other habits such as clenching your jaw, a mouth guard or “night guard” can offer protection. We will evaluate during your routine checkup if one is needed.
Click here to schedule an appointment for your teen for a custom mouth guard.