Teens and teeth: How dental decay affects young smiles

Dental decay is the most common chronic disease in young people between the ages of 5 and 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And while younger children typically attend dental appointments with their parents, teens have more control over their free time and may not choose to visit the dentist for regular checkups. As a result, many teenagers don’t get the dental care they need or the proper education to make smart decisions about their oral hygiene habits.

The Academy of General Dentistry offers the following teeth tips for teens and their parents:

• Limit soda drinking. Teens are drinking more soft drinks than ever, both in school and at home. Soda consumption among this age group has increased from 22.2 gallons of cola per person per year in 1970 to 56 gallons in 1999.
  
  Sugar in sweetened sodas can cause cavities, and acidic flavor additives — found in both unsweetened and sweetened sodas — can also erode and damage tooth enamel. Besides decreasing soda consumption, teens can limit the harmful effects of soda in two simple ways. Sipping soda through a straw cuts down on the contact the beverage has with teeth, and rinsing the mouth with water after drinking soda can reduce the risk of cavities.
  
• Avoid oral piercings. Tongue piercing remains a trend despite the dangers to oral health. People with tongue piercings chip their teeth on the jewelry while eating, sleeping, talking and chewing. The fracture can be confined to tooth enamel and require a filling, or it may go deeper, which can lead to a root canal or tooth extraction.
  
  Infections are also common with oral piercings. The tongue can swell after being punctured, and in some cases can become infected and swell to such a degree that it interferes with breathing. Unclean piercing equipment can cause other infections, such as blood-borne hepatitis.
  
• Make time for healthy habits. Teens eat quick meals in the form of “nutrition” bars and fast food to stay alert and on schedule between school, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs. However, these habits can permanently damage oral and overall health. Teens should have access to healthy snacks and keep a travel-size toothbrush in a locker or backpack to keep up good teeth-cleaning habits. Chewing sugarless gum with xylitol (a natural sweetener) after meals or snacks can also help cleanse the mouth. Drinking water throughout the day can help cleanse the teeth of excess bacteria and food debris. And teens should visit their dentist at least twice a year to prevent any minor problems from worsening.