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How to encourage proper oral hygiene care for teens and young adults
We all know that a hallmark of the teen years is to rebel and push back on the rules. While it makes sense to give young people their space to assert themselves in certain situations, allowing them to be lax in their oral hygiene care is ill-advised.
It can be difficult to convince teens and young adults to make their oral hygiene a priority, especially when they struggle with a number of age-related issues.
Oral hygiene care barriers among teens and young adults
Teenagers juggle a lot. School, friends, sports and extracurricular activities keep them busy enough, so it’s no surprise that they often neglect their oral hygiene care.
Complicating matters even more, teens develop harmful habits that have oral health consequences like consuming energy drinks and vaping. Reports suggest as many as 13% of teenagers have one untreated cavity that can lead to infection if not addressed.
There are other factors that prevent teens from practising proper oral hygiene care.
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The most sophisticated solution for instrument management
The most sophisticated solution for instrument management
That’s right, you deserve it. You deserve the peace of mind and confidence of knowing that you are employing the most contemporary method of processing instruments. As dentistry’s innovator of the cassette-based instrument management system, Hu-Friedy is proud to bring you the modern design and functionality of the Infinity Series Cassettes which include:
That’s right, you deserve it. You deserve the peace of mind and confidence of knowing that you are employing the most contemporary method of processing instruments. As dentistry’s innovator of the cassette-based instrument management system, Hu-Friedy is proud to bring you the modern design and functionality of the Infinity Series Cassettes which include:
Ensure predictable outcomes for your littlest patients with Hu-Friedy Stainless Steel Pedo Crowns. You’ll quickly discover why dentists favor our impeccable fit. Perfect for your patients. Easy for you. Because when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy
Ensure predictable outcomes for your littlest patients with Hu-Friedy Stainless Steel Pedo Crowns. You’ll quickly discover why dentists favor our impeccable fit. Perfect for your patients. Easy for you. Because when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy is just right.
• An open hole pattern that promotes water flow throughout the cassette
• An open hole pattern that promotes water flow throughout the cassette when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy is just right.
• An open hole pattern that promotes water flow throughout
Ensure predictable outcomes for your littlest patients with Hu-Friedy Stainless Steel Pedo Crowns. You’ll quickly discover why dentists favor our impeccable fit. Perfect for your patients. Easy for you. Because when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy is just right.
WHY DENTISTS LOVE OUR STAINLESS STEEL PEDO CROWNS:
©2016
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• Color-coded silicone rail system that significantly reduces instrument contact and allows for more water flow while protecting the instruments during reprocessing
WHY DENTISTS LOVE OUR STAINLESS STEEL PEDO CROWNS:
• Color-coded silicone rail system that significantly reduces instrument contact and allows for more water flow while protecting the instruments during reprocessing
WHY DENTISTS LOVE OUR STAINLESS STEEL PEDO CROWNS:
• Ideal height and mesio-distal width
• Easy-to-use, ergonomic latch that allows for one-handed opening
• Ideal height and mesio-distal
• Easy-to-use, ergonomic latch that allows for one-handed opening
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• Ideal height and mesio-distal width
• Pre-trimmed and pre-crimped for simple placement
• Accurate occlusal anatomy that matches the natural tooth
Performing at your best means having confidence in what you do. Experience Infinity Series™ Cassettes, and improve the efficiency of your practice, while helping protect your patients, your staff and your instrument investment.
Performing at your best means having confidence in what you do. Experience Infinity Series™ Cassettes, and improve the efficiency of your practice, while helping protect your patients, your staff and your instrument investment.
• Pre-trimmed and pre-crimped for simple placement
• Accurate occlusal anatomy that matches the natural tooth
©2016 Hu-Fried y Mfg. Co., LLC. All rights reserved.
These include:
• Many teens have orthodontia which can make effective brushing and flossing difficult to achieve; and
• Teens often don’t know or don’t follow recommended oral hygiene practices to care for mouth and tongue piercings.
Of course, there’s also the reality that teens are still learning to be independent. They may not yet have mastered the practice of proper oral home care routines and and need additional reminders.
Making a case for oral hygiene care to teens
Focus on what matters to them
When talking to teens, relate dental hygiene tips to what matters to them.
A healthy smile helps improve their social life
Teenagers and young adults tend to care about the impression they make on friends. One way to encourage oral hygiene compliance is to point out how it can make or break those impressions. For example, regular dental check ups and routine oral hygiene practices can prevent bad breath, stained teeth and cavities.
Smoking and vaping can have negative effects
This is also a good time to share the risks to their general and oral health associated with smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco. These habits can lead to bad breath, tooth staining, periodontal disease and oral and throat cancers.
Practicing good oral hygiene makes teens a role model
Another conversation to have with teens and young adults regarding proper oral hygiene is about the impact they can have on their younger siblings, friends or relatives. Remind them that their younger peers look up to them and will naturally emulate their behaviour.
This is their chance to be a role model and even partner up with younger siblings to show them how to properly brush and floss their teeth. While some young adults may not be interested in doing this, it’s very often how family dynamics play out.
Once you’ve talked to teens about why they should maintain their oral health, make sure to talk to them about the habits that make brushing and flossing even easier and more productive.
Healthy oral hygiene habits for teens and young adults
In addition to the materials you already give teenagers that list healthy dental hygiene habits, you may want to add tips from this list.
Diet and nutrition
Most teenagers don’t think about the consequences of what they eat and drink. Most likely they don’t know that their favourite energy drinks, juices and soft drinks can lead to tooth decay. The same goes for chips, pretzels, gooey snacks and other foods that can stick to their teeth. Remind (or teach) teenagers to read food labels so they can see just how much sugar their food and drinks contain. Even with oversight and excellent oral hygiene habits, the use of fluoride toothpastes and professional fluoride varnish treatments are highly recommended for this age group.
Healthy food and drinks
Recommend that parents keep fruits and vegetables on hand. Other foods that you can recommend to teens include:
• Whole-grain products, such as cereals, breads and crackers;
• Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and unsweetened yogurt;
• Meats, fish, chicken and eggs;
• Legumes and nuts; and
• Water or milk instead of fruit juice, fruit-flavoured drinks, flavoured water, energy drinks or soda.
Remind teens that they should floss or brush after each meal, especially if they have braces or a retainer. And always encourage them to drink water to wash away food debris.
Home hygiene
Encourage teens to develop the habit of brushing their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day - typically after breakfast and before bed. One trick to share with them is to have them spit out the toothpaste after brushing without a water rinse. Let them know that the small amount of fluoridated toothpaste in their mouths can help them prevent tooth decay.
While flossing is one of the habits most adults forget to do, it’s definitely a practice to encourage in teens so they’ll continue to do it as they mature. Show teens how to use dental floss and demonstrate how easily disposable flossers can be used. You may even suggest that they carry a small pack with them in a purse or backpack for when they eat out. Even if you sell it as a way to avoid the embarrassment of having food in their teeth, helping teens develop the habit can set them up for a lifetime of improved oral health.
Finally, show teens how their teeth and gums appear in a mirror or with an intraoral camera. Point out the colour their gums should be. Then challenge them to examine the inside of their mouths regularly, so they can identify potential problems.
Regular dental visits
Most teens and young adults aren’t able to schedule their own dental visits, but you can let them know that routine preventive checkups are important and help prevent cavities. This way, teens may be more likely to ask their parents to schedule a follow up before leaving the office.
For more information about how HuFriedyGroup’s products and resources help dental professionals provide better care for patients, visit HuFriedyGroup.com.
