Most parents understand the importance of taking their children to the dentist periodically. However, many don't realize that their child's dental health can be fine up until their teenage years, when things can go significantly wrong. Roland Buyama DDS has been practicing professionally for more than 13 years and has seen many adolescents who suddenly develop dental problems in their teenage years. This is not surprising considering the fact that tooth decay actually takes place on a time-delayed basis. In other words, all of the damage a child does to their teeth during their younger years has an impact on their dental health during their teenage years if positive dental hygiene habits are not adopted.
Perhaps the most common issues that plague teenagers are gum disease, plaque buildup, and cavities. Some teenagers also pick up bad habits like smoking and drinking coffee, both of which can contribute to tooth discoloration, bad breath, and cavities. As teens get older they tend to become more independent in their diet/nutrition choices, and most of the time this is when bad habits that lead to adult tooth decay begin to take hold. Dr. Buyama says that teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 are most likely to begin neglecting their dental hygiene practices, so this is an important age for parents to become more aware of their child's actions.
Another issue that teenagers have to deal with is the growth of their jaws and facial bones, a process that can contribute to misaligned teeth. Younger teenagers are also just getting the last of their permanent teeth, and as these new teeth start to grow in they are most vulnerable to decay. Although it is important to schedule regular checkups for younger children, teenagers are also susceptible to dental health issues and are still in the developmental stages of their life, so Dr. Buyama suggests that all parents continue to schedule regular dentist appointments throughout the teen's adolescence.
