Teens Healthier Smiles At Any Age
Teen Lifestyle and Oral Health
Extra-curricular activities, eating at odd hours, and hanging out with friends can sometimes lead to snacking and poor diet choices. The average teenage boy drinks 81 gallons of soft drinks per year and the average teenage girl drinks 61 gallons. A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including sport drinks, can ruin teeth especially among those who snack throughout the day.
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Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.
Simple tips include :
- Choose popcorn instead of chips
- Rinse your mouth out with water after sweets, soda, or sport drinks
- Substitute water for more sugary drinks
- Don’t smoke
- Brush and floss regularly
- Become a label reader and make informed dietary decisions
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can also affect oral health. Without the proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell. Individuals may experience chronic dry mouth. Throwing up frequently can affect teeth, too. When strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over teeth, the tooth’s outer covering (enamel) can be lost to the point that the teeth change in color, shape and length. The edges of teeth become thin and break off easily. Eating hot or cold food or drink may become uncomfortable.
It has been estimated that more than 10 million Americans currently are affected by serious eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. While anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, they are most common in teen and young adult women. Eating disorders can have a large negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. Self-image, relationships with families and friends as well as performance in school or on the job can be damaged. It is critical for anyone with symptoms of an eating disorder to seek professional help since an individual can die from the medical complications these disorders can cause.
Sport Mouth Guards: Playing It Safe
Unfortunately, many sport injuries occur in the excitement of the game. One preventable sport injury is dental trauma simply by using a mouth guard during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouth guard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. It will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breath. Today’s Dental can help with our clear customized mouth guards! Our mouth guards can even be designed to accommodate braces. To schedule an appointment to be fitted for your customized mouth guard, please call our office at 281-580-0770.
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