Braces, third molars, facial appearance and bad breath are just a few new things for your teenagers to worry about as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. Because kids are busy with school, jobs, sports and social activities, — plus eating a lot of junk food — you’ve got a situation ripe for dental issues, such as cavities.

The best way for teens to enjoy a nice smile and healthy teeth is to continue the good oral habits started early in childhood.

Here are a few tips to help your child get through the teen years cavity-free:

  • Encourage your teenager to take good care of his teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Teenagers 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.
  • Have plenty of oral health-care supplies on hand. Keep soft toothbrushes, colored, flavored floss or plastic flossers and good- tasting toothpaste out in the bathroom. You can even keep them in the kitchen for quick use when teens are in a hurry.
  • Don’t buy junk food. Instead, keep lots of fruits and vegetables in the house for snacking.
  • Talk to your teens about the dangers of smoking and the oral health hazards it can cause. In addition, some teens are presented with social pressures to start smoking or get oral piercings. It is important for parents to present the dangers so their teens know the consequences of their choices.

Dr. Ben Johnson and Johnson Family Dental in Paducah are here to help protect your family’s teeth for a lifetime. Looking for a Paducah area dentist? Give us a call today at (270) 554-2432 or stop by our office located at 2613 Lone Oak Rd in Paducah, KY or CLICK HERE to contact us.