Teenagers are often busy with school, jobs, sports and social activities that they don't find the time to brush or floss. They also tend to eat a lot of junk food and sugary drinks. Combine the two and you've got a situation prone to tooth decay! Approximately 80% of adolescents have had at least one cavity by age 19.
Here are a few tips to help your child get through the teen years cavity-free:
Encourage Your Teenager: It is important to encourage your teenager to take good care of their teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Teenagers tend to care a lot about how they look. Help your teen understand that bad oral hygiene can lead to stains, bad breath, missing teeth, and many other dental problems.
Set a Good Example: If you take good care of your teeth, your teenager will see that good oral hygiene is important to you. Your talks and warnings will not seem hypocritical and will carry greater weight.
Provide Dental Care Products: Keep plenty of soft toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash in their bathrooms. You can even keep a few in the kitchen for when teens are in a rush.