Not babies anymore!
Happy “Tooth-Day”!
Farah Flossit here, wishing you well!
If your babies aren’t exactly babies anymore, you may be in the presence of an adolescent. When your little one is entering adolescence, there are many changes & one of them includes oral health. You want to make sure that your adolescent has a healthy smile consisting of good breath & strong teeth so that they can have good self-esteem.
Did you know that adolescents may be at a greater risk of gum disease? During puberty, higher levels of progesterone & estrogen cause more blood to circulate through the gums, making them more sensitive to food and plaque. This can irritate the gums, & cause them to swell, redden, & be tender. Certain medications, health conditions, or even brushing too aggressively can also put teens at a greater risk for gum disease. Some girls may even experience a temporary form of “menstruation gingivitis,” swollen, or bleeding gums days before their period.
As a teen, taking care of your gums may be at the bottom your to-do list. With this in mind moms and dads, re-enforcing good oral hygiene habits is extremely important. It’s a good idea to remind them how their smile is the first thing their friends will notice about their appearance. Remember to be a good role model by doing what you preach; brush & floss at least 2x a day for 2 mins. Take them to their regular check-ups for cleanings & full exam. Provide healthy snacks to promote good overall health & look out for any signs of dental issues such as bad breath, bleeding, or general oral complaints.
Your adolescent may think that they are all grown up now, but we know that there is still a ways to go to be considered an adult. As a result, it’s our job as parents to give them the tools to be healthy responsible adults in the future. Let them learn through your example. Healthy smiles, happy families:)
Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!
I look forward to chatting with you all next week!
In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.
Your Friend,
Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)
