As a teen, you've got plenty to do -- going to school, homework, participating in after-school activities, spending time with friends, perhaps working a job, and other time commitments. Caring for your appearance also is a top priority, including your teeth. By doing so, you're rewarded with a bright, winning smile that really attracts attention!
Sometimes I Come Home So Tired After Long, Busy Days, I Don't Feel Like Brushing My Teeth. Does it Really Matter?
Yes, it does! If you haven't brushed your teeth since the morning, your mouth is filled with cavity-causing bacteria. When the sugar and starch from the day's food, snacks, or drinks combine with plaque (that sticky film on your teeth), an acid is produced. That acid attacks your tooth enamel. If this is
repeated often, those acid attacks can break down enamel and cause cavities
while you sleep. So, those few extra minutes it takes to brush your teeth really
are important for cavity prevention.
What Can I Do to Make Sure My Breath Is Really Fresh?
Commercial products claim they will make your breath fresher, but the only
way to make sure your breath is truly fresh is to practice good oral hygiene. In
fact, too many breath mints and hard candies with sugar can lead to tooth decay.
If you are constantly using breath mints, breath sprays, or mouthrinses in an
effort to cover up bad breath, you may have a problem that needs correction.
If you neglect daily hygiene over time, bad breath can become a symptom of
more serious dental problems. Teeth that are not cleaned properly become a place
for bacteria to multiply in your mouth, causing cavities and gum disease. Gum
disease produces bad breath and that's gross! So brush, floss, and brush or scrape your tongue.
If you smoke, bad breath comes with the habit. Smoking also puts you at an
increased risk for developing gum disease. Brushing and flossing your teeth may slow the development of gum disease but smoking can lead to serious oral health problems, including oral cancer.
Can Dieting or Taking Medications Affect My Oral Health?
Hunger can contribute to bad breath. This is because of the chemical changes
that occur as your body turns fat and protein into the energy it needs. Chemical
changes caused by taking prescription or over-the-counter medications can also
affect mouth odor.
Isn't a Mouthguard Just for Those Who Wear Braces?
No! Every year, more than 200,000 people are treated by dentists and oral
surgeons for sports-related injuries, including broken and knocked-out teeth,
concussions, jaw fractures, and neck and head trauma. Many of these could be
avoided if athletes and sports enthusiasts used a mouthguard. Anyone
participating in sports, especially contact sports, should wear protective
mouthguards for safety.
Different types of mouthguards provide various advantages and degrees of
protection -- from off-the-shelf to custom-fitted.
If you let good oral care habits slip away, you might be setting yourself up
for some undesirable or painful events. Taking care of your teeth by brushing at
least twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, avoiding smoking, and protecting
yourself from injury by wearing a mouthguard does make a big difference. It
matters to your mouth -- just a few minutes daily for clean teeth, fresh breath,
and a magical smile!
by Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
