There’s no doubt that parents want the best for their kids, including good oral health. While it’s ultimately up to the teen to brush and floss regularly, there are things parents can do to help them along. Check out these top ways to promote dental health in your teenager!

Encourage Your Teen To Brush Their Teeth Twice A Day

Brushing teeth regularly is one of the most important things parents can do to help their teens have healthy teeth. Try to make sure your teen brushes their teeth at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night. It’s also important that they brush for at least two minutes each time.

Some ways to encourage them are:

• Set an alarm on their phone remind them to brush
• Put their toothbrush in a visible place so they remember to brush
• Brush your teeth at the same time so they see that it’s important

Make Sure They Use The Right Type Of Toothbrush And Toothpaste

The type of toothbrush and toothpaste you use can make a big difference in the health of your teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is best for gentle cleaning, while a medium-bristled brush can be used for more vigorous scrubbing. 

The best toothpaste has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This means that they have been tested and found to be effective at preventing cavities and gingivitis. Look for toothpaste that also includes fluoride, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. 

Limit Sugary Drinks And Snacks

Parents can help their teens establish healthy teeth by ensuring that they limit sugary drinks and snacks. It is important that these items are consumed in moderation, as too much sugar can lead to cavities. Between-meal snacks should be avoided if possible, as this is when teeth are most vulnerable to decay.

Foods that help teeth are: 

• Cheese
• Apples
• Celery
• Carrots

These foods help because they increase saliva flow, which washes away harmful bacteria and food particles. They also contain minerals that help to strengthen teeth. Most fruits and vegetables are also helpful to maintain healthy teeth.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups And Cleanings

It’s important that teens see the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. This gives the dentist a chance to remove any plaque or tartar buildup, as well as to check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. The earlier any problems are caught, the easier they are to treat. 

Get Braces or Aligners

As a parent, you want your child to have healthy teeth. You may be wondering if you should get braces or aligners for your teen. These can be helpful ways to create healthy teeth.

Here are some things to consider:

Braces can help correct alignment issues and improve the appearance of your child’s teeth. They can also help prevent future dental problems.

Aligners are less noticeable than braces and can be removed for eating and cleaning. However, they may not be as effective at correcting severe alignment issues.

Talk to your dentist about which option is best for your child. If you decide to get braces or aligners, be sure to follow the treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments. 

Show Them How To Floss Properly

Flossing is an important part of oral care, but many teens don’t know how to do it properly. Parents can help by showing them the correct way to floss.

Here are some tips for proper flossing:

• Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapped around each middle finger
• Leave about an inch of slack in the middle of floss
• Gently insert the floss between two teeth an use a back-and-forth motion to remove plaque and debris
• Use a clean section of floss for each tooth
• Be sure to floss behind the back teeth

By teaching teens the proper way to floss, parents can help them develop healthy teeth.

Explain The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene habits are important for many reasons: 

• They help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on teeth and attacks the enamel or outer layer. Gum disease happens when plaque and tartar (a hardened form of plaque) attack the gums.

• Good oral hygiene habits can help prevent bad breath. 

• They can help you avoid costly dental problems in the future. 

• They can help prevent other health problems.

By following these tips, you can help your teen develop healthy teeth and maintain good oral hygiene habits for life. Teaching your children about the importance of taking care of their teeth is one of the best gifts you can give them – not to mention, it’s a gift that will keep on giving! 

Make sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings so that any problems can be caught and treated early.  And finally, show your teen how to floss properly so they can develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

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