YOUR SMILE is one of the first things people notice about you, which is why it’s so important to take care of it. Cavities aren’t just for little kids; you can get them at any age! When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice or energy drinks, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Be smart and always brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss once a day (ADA recommended).
Bottom Line For Smiles That Are Healthy on The Inside and Out:
– Always brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes – Floss between your teeth daily – Avoid sugary and starchy snacks – Wear a mouthguard when you’re active – Don’t use nicotine products – Have regular dental checkups
A Couple Of Things That Teens Are Faced With:
Braces If you have a bad bite or your teeth are crooked or out of alignment, you may benefit from braces. Braces can help improve your smile and make your teeth straighter. They can also improve your dental health and overall health because untreated orthodontic problems can make it hard to bite and chew and can interfere with eating. Don’t want metal wires or braces getting in the way? Guess what! We offer a clear alternative to straighten your teeth with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth get their name by being the last teeth to come in during young adulthood. The majority of people have most of their permanent teeth by age 13. Your wisdom teeth should come into your mouth between the ages of 17-21. Sometimes they do not have enough room to come in normally or are in the wrong position to come straight up. When that happens, Dr. Shimizu may refer to them as impacted and they may have to be removed. Not everyone’s teeth develop on the same schedule which is why it’s important to have regular dental visits to monitor the progress of your wisdom teeth.
Consider Staying Away From:
Smoking – Vaping – Chewing Tobacco You know smoking is bad for you in general, so it should be no surprise that ingesting nicotine in whatever form can be harmful to your oral health. For one, nicotine products can cause bad breath, but that’s only the beginning. Other possible oral health impacts include: – Stained teeth and tongue – Dulled sense of taste and smell – Slow healing after a tooth extraction or oral surgery – Difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems – Gum disease and tooth loss – Oral cancer Sugary Snacks & Sodas Sugar sweetened beverages and snacks can have high levels of sugar and consuming these can significantly contribute to tooth decay. The reason being, certain harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars you eat to create acids that destroy the tooth enamel. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet sodas, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth.
Botton line – Create Healthy Habits
Brushing twice a day with toothpaste, flossing once a day, limiting sugary snacks and beverages, and staying away from tobacco and nicotine products will contribute greatly to the health of your teeth and gums. I know it’s easier said than done, but if you want to have a beautiful white smile and a healthy mouth, you gotta make a plan and stick to it. Oh yeah, and make sure to call Dr. Shimizu for your regular checkups.
JUN
2018
