From the time they’re old enough to walk, children need to learn good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing along with regular visits to their Century City cosmetic dentist can save them from a lot of pain later on. However, it’s not always easy to impress on teens and tweens the importance of good oral hygiene.

If you’re raising children between the ages of 10 and 19 and need extra help convincing them to take care of their smile, here are a few dental care tips from your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.

Tweens’ Smiles Need Special Dental Care

Tweens, children between the ages of 10 and 12, face their own set of dental issues. First, they very likely are still losing their primary (or baby) teeth, in order to make way for their permanent teeth. The last baby tooth is usually lost by the age of 12. It’s around this time that the second permanent molars appear.

Because these teeth are so new, they are extremely prone to decay. Parents may want to speak with their Century City cosmetic dentist about dental sealants to protect them. Additionally, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist may take this opportunity to discuss important dental topics that may affect tweens as well as teens.

The eating habits of tweens and teens can often be a primary factor in dental health. Too many sugars and starches from snack foods and drinks wreak havoc on a young mouth. Help youngsters make smart choices when it comes to after-school snacks and eating well-balanced meals.

There was a time when braces were the bane of many teenagers. However, experts at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggest parents take their children to an orthodontist by the age of seven. An orthodontist can “check for crowded, spaced, or crooked teeth and misaligned jaws and bite” and determine if braces are an option.

For children who are particularly active in sports, your Century City cosmetic dentist might suggest a mouth guard. Using a mouth guard during sports or athletic activities can help prevent dental damage.

Good Oral Care for Teenagers Requires Guidance

Teenagers might not realize it, but they still don’t have all their teeth. Somewhere between the ages of 16 and 20 their wisdom teeth, also known as their permanent third molars, should appear. However, they can grow in earlier, later, or not at all.

Very often, dentists will recommend the removal of wisdom teeth, usually because they are difficult to clean or are causing problems. However, talk with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist to determine what he recommends for your teenager.

Teenagers face a lot of peer pressure. The choices they make can often affect their smile and oral health. Smoking, chewing tobacco, oral piercings, and eating disorders each bring potential health problems.

While it’s important that parents help teenagers make smart choices, your Century City cosmetic dentist can offer assistance. Teeth whitening, fluoride treatments, and a mouth guard may help once the disruptive behavior stops.

If you have questions about the dental health of your tweens and teens, be sure to speak with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.