Upkeep for Teens
- Brush Daily – it’s important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Your toothbrush should be in good working condition, with all the bristles in the upright position, and replaced every 3-6 months.
- Flossing – greatly reduces the occurrence of bad breath and gum disease. Most importantly, flossing removes the plaque between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Drink Water – you probably didn’t know this, but most public water supplies contain fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and reduces cavities when combined with proper oral hygiene. Drinking plenty of water also helps prevent dehydration and cleans excess bacteria from your mouth.
- You are what you eat – good nutrition is key to a healthy mouth and body. Keep the sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum and you’ll have healthy teeth for years to come. Foods high in sugars and starches, like chips and soda, create mouth acid that can linger for over 20 minutes, slowly breaking down your enamel. Also, foods and drinks that are dark in color will generally stain your teeth. Over time the combination of the enamel loss and the teeth staining of leads to cavities, gum disease or worse: a not-so-bright smile.
While not keeping your mouth and body healthy creates more work for us, it’s not the kind of work we want! Keeping your teeth clean and healthy will give you not only the confidence and image you need today, but also a lifetime of benefits to come.