The teenage years are difficult to navigate, both for the teenagers themselves and for their parents. There’s dealing with drama at school, interpersonal relationships, and of course, changing hygiene requirements. As far as oral health and tooth health are concerned, there’s the possibility of braces, those third molars coming in, and bad breath! Your teen is also probably busy with school, jobs, sports, and other social or extracurricular activities – not to mention, all the junk food they eat – and you are left with someone who probably isn’t prioritizing their teeth. If you are trying to help your teen get used to taking care of their teeth, then there are a few things you can do!

Encourage

Instead of yelling at your teen for not brushing, encourage good hygiene habits. For example, remind them to brush twice a day and floss at least once each day. Teens care a lot about how they look and how others see them, so you can explain that not brushing and flossing will lead to stains, bad breath, and even missing teeth if they aren’t careful about their regimen.

Set an Example

If you are thorough about your teeth, then your teen will see how important your oral health and hygiene is to you. Your warnings won’t seem hypocritical if they see you meticulously brushing in the mirror each and every morning and night. When you live up to what you’re telling your teen, your words automatically carry more weight.

Keep Oral Health Supplies On-Hand

You can keep toothbrushes, plastic flossers, toothpaste, and all sorts of supplies on-hand to keep your teen brushing regularly. If they see these items around the house, they will be more likely to use them and change their toothbrush when their current one is getting old. You can even keep them in the kitchen if you feel the need for quick use as your teen is on the run.

Avoid Junk Food

If you avoid buying junk food and keeping it in the house, it’s harder for your teen to get to it. Instead, keep vegetables and fruits around for snacks. Avoiding those sugary treats and salty chips will help your teen eat healthier, but it may also help you, too!

Talk to Them About Smoking

Smoking leads to a large number of oral health issues ranging anywhere from yellow teeth to cancer. Addressing these health issues and talking about the social pressures your teen might be feeling to start smoking can help them make wiser decisions when faced with the choice to smoke. Be prepared to present the dangers to your teen so they can be aware of the possible consequences.

Call the Dentist at Kruckman Family Dentistry

When it comes to you and your teen’s oral health, be sure to come see the dentist at Kruckman Family Dentist in Waconia! We can examine your teeth, perform a thorough cleaning, and give you the brightest smile you’ve ever had. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We are proud to serve Waconia, as well as the surrounding areas of Victoria, St. Bonifacius, Mayer, Norwood Young America, and Cologne.