Teen Dentistry in Highland Village
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Keep Your Teen’s Smile Strong and Healthy
Pediatric dentists don’t just treat younger kids and pre-teens. At Pediatric Dental World, Dr. Bell, Dr. Clapp, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Smith specialize in addressing the unique needs of teenagers. Teen dentistry is very important, as teenagers face unique challenges to their oral health, and the teenage years are often when your child will develop the dental habits that will follow them into adulthood. Read on, or contact us now to schedule an appointment for your teen.
The Importance of Teen Oral Health
By the time your child is a teenager, they’ll likely have all of their permanent adult teeth. This usually happens by the age of 12-13. That means that any further damage to their teeth, such as cavities, will not be reversible.
Because of this, it’s important for your teenager to take proper care of their teeth. If they begin to falter and don't maintain good oral health habits, this could lead to severe oral health problems as they grow older and become adults. To protect their teeth both now and in the future, proper teen oral health is essential.
Navigating Oral Obstacles
Unique Oral Health Challenges For Teens
Teenagers face a number of unique oral health challenges, including hormones that can lead to a higher risk of gingivitis, participating in contact sports that could damage their teeth, and more. Let’s take a deeper look at two common oral health challenges for teens now.
Changing Habits and Greater Independence
Teenagers have a lot more freedom and independence compared to younger kids, which can lead to poor oral health outcomes. For example, they may be able to eat sugary snacks and drink soda when you’re not around, increasing their risk of tooth decay and gingivitis.
In addition, they may adopt habits that are bad for their oral health, like smoking or vaping. It’s important to make sure you’re aware of what your teens are doing, and if they’re participating in things that could harm their teeth and gums.
Orthodontics
The teen years are the perfect time to get orthodontic treatment for your child. Their permanent teeth will have erupted, but their mouth is still growing and changing, making it easier to correct issues with their teeth alignment and jaw position. The team at Pediatric Dental World can provide your teen with an orthodontic consultation to see if they need orthodontic treatment.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Oral Health
Wondering how you can talk to your teen about oral health and make sure they take it seriously? Here are a few tips from the team at Pediatric Dental World.
Speak to Them as an Equal
Don’t talk down to your teenager. We recommend that you approach them as an adult, and give them the facts about the importance of dentistry and proper oral hygiene.
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Help Them Feel Confident About Their Smile
Teens are often very image-focused, so emphasizing the importance of a healthy smile for their appearance can be a good way to motivate teens to take pride in caring for their pearly whites.
Focus on the Long Term
It’s important to give your teen the proper perspective. Make sure they understand that the oral habits they form now may follow them for the rest of their lives and influence their dental health for decades to come.
FAQs
Have questions about Tooth Extractions? Get answers here.
How do pediatric dentists remove kids' teeth?
Pediatric dentists, like Dr. Jason Clapp, Dr. Jessica Bell, Dr. Jennifer Lee, and Dr. Natalie Smith at Pediatric Dental World, have specialized training and experience to handle tooth extractions for children in a safe, comfortable, and anxiety-free manner.
The process of tooth extraction begins with a thorough examination of your child's mouth. This includes X-rays to get a clear picture of the tooth's position and condition. Once the dentist has determined that extraction is the best course of action, they will explain the procedure to you and your child in a way that's easy to understand, ensuring you both feel comfortable and prepared.
On the day of the extraction, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic. This ensures your child won't feel any pain during the procedure. The dentist then uses specialized tools to gently loosen and remove the tooth. In some cases, if the tooth is impacted or has deep roots, a more involved procedure may be required. However, rest assured that our team at Pediatric Dental World is equipped to handle all types of extractions with your child's comfort as our top priority.
Will my child’s tooth extraction be painful?
One of the most common concerns parents have about tooth extractions is whether the procedure will cause their child pain. At Pediatric Dental World, we prioritize your child's comfort and wellbeing above all else.
Before the extraction begins, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that your child will not feel any pain during the procedure. Your child may feel some pressure, but it should not be painful.
After the procedure, it's normal for there to be some discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. However, this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. Our team will ensure you're well-equipped with all the information you need to help your child recover comfortably at home.
How do I take care of my child's teeth afterwards?
After a tooth extraction, it's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here are some general guidelines to help your child after the procedure:
1. Rest and Recovery: Encourage your child to rest for the rest of the day following the extraction. They should avoid strenuous activities and stick to quiet, relaxing activities.
2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage any discomfort your child may feel once the anesthetic wears off. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your dentist or on the medicine's packaging.
3. Diet: Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods for the first few days after the extraction. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that could irritate the extraction site.
4. Oral Hygiene: It's important to keep the mouth clean to prevent infection. However, your child should avoid brushing the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After this period, they can gently rinse their mouth with warm salt water.
5. Follow-up Visit: Your child will likely need a follow-up visit to ensure the extraction site is healing properly. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.
Remember, every child's recovery process is different. If you have any concerns or if your child is experiencing severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, don't hesitate to contact Pediatric Dental World at (972) 317-6997.
We proudly serve Highland Village & Double Oak!