Teaching Teens Proper Oral Hygiene

Teenagers have busy schedules because of schoolwork, social events, and sports. Sometimes, they are too busy to brush their teeth or floss, It’s true that you can’t spare two minutes to brush your teeth on a late morning, but as a parent, you should make sure your child knows how to take good care of his or her teeth. By making oral hygiene a part of your child’s daily routine, he or she will always be able to brush and floss regularly, no matter how busy his or her life is.

Use products designed for teens

Teens may avoid brushing as oral hygiene products don’t taste good. Strong flavors or boring designs can dampen a teenager’s enthusiasm for daily care, so products designed for the younger generation can be very useful. These products fit the tastes and aesthetics of teens and can entice them to maintain good care habits.

Try Apps and Timers

The biggest problem teens have when it comes to their oral care routine is the short amount of time they spend brushing. Most teens only brush for 30 seconds, and teens should brush for two to three minutes. You can use your smartphone’s timer app or kitchen timer to guide your child, or play a three-minute song so your music-loving child can brush properly.

Limit soda and candy

Teenagers love soda, chips and candy, but these sugary snacks can lead to the growth of bacteria, cavities and broken teeth. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 15 percent of teens ages 6 to 19 have untreated tooth decay. You can reduce your teen’s exposure to sugar-rich foods by having healthy snacks and beverages such as water, cut-up vegetables, whole-grain crackers and other sugar-free snacks available and easily accessible.

Promote confidence

Teens are very conscious of their appearance, so you can encourage them to maintain an attractive appearance by maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Remind your teen that good oral care practices can prevent yellowing and bad breath, and that brushing can do more than prevent tooth decay. If your child’s smile isn’t bright enough, you can provide whitening toothpaste and mouthwash to help them learn hygiene habits while boosting their confidence.

As a parent, it is imperative to ensure that your teens observe the right oral hygiene measures to live a healthy life. You should help them learn the benefits of maintaining proper oral hygiene and make sure to set a good example.