Oral health for teens and 20s
The
teenage years and early twenties are exciting times of many changes –
starting high school, first job, many new relationships, finishing
high school, starting careers, engagements, weddings and young
families. Theses are years of exploring new interests and testing
boundaries. These changes and challenges can affect conditions in the
mouth and can form habits that leave long term effects on oral
health.
more tooth decay!
Studies have shown that young adults (18-24 year olds) in Australia have more tooth decay compared to Australian children at 12 years of age. Similarly in New Zealand oral health gains made through the school years are not continued into adulthood. It is thought that the many changes in the lives of young adults may result in less tooth brushing, new eating patterns and less regular dental check-ups – changes that can increase the risk of tooth decay.
what to do – remember the basics!
Fluoride is needed DAILY throughout life to protect teeth against decay.
Fluoride is most easily applied DAILY through brushing teeth fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of tooth decay much more than brushing only once a day.
The most important time to apply some fluoride is before bedtime as the flow of saliva, which protects teeth against decay is lowest during sleep.
Use floss to remove plaque between teeth.
Have regular dental check-ups
Don't share toothbrushes – bacteria that causes tooth decay can be spread from person to person.
more tips
On occasions when a second brushing is not possible, fluoride can be applied simply by placing some fluoride toothpaste on a finger and smearing the paste on the teeth.
Fluoride mouthrinses can also be a source of fluoride application.
Look in your mouth regularly for early signs of tooth decay and other problems. Gently lift your upper lip and look for white spots near the gumline. If you see white spots, or dark spots, near the gumline, seek advice from a dental professional.
Keep in mind that signs of tooth decay are not always visible. Often tooth decay starts between teeth. Dental professionals have the equipment and training necessary to thoroughly examine your mouth for decay and other problems. So visit your dental professional for regular check-ups.
changing diets and eating patterns
Some young adults become very conscious of good diet. Others start substituting fast foods for regular nutritious meals. “Eating on the GO” and frequent snacking can become common. Teeth can be affected by these eating patterns as well as the types of foods and drinks that are consumed.
Acidic foods and drinks can “erode” enamel from teeth if consumed too frequently or sipped over a long period of time and held in the mouth. Acidic drinks include soft drinks, diet and regular, wine, cordials, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks. Acidic can also be a problem with some foods that are considered “healthy”, such as citrus fruits or salad dressings made of vinegar, if such foods are consumed too frequently.
acidity of some common foods and drinks
Acid Foods and Drinks (pH less than 4.5)
Apples, apricots, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries tomatoes, soft drinks, regular and diet, cordial, sports drinks, wine, fruit drinks, fruit juices, pickled vegetables salad dressings and lemons.
Low acid foods and Drinks (pH greater than 4.5)
Bananas, mangoes, melons, pawpaws, soups, pasta, milk, soda water, flat spring water, dairy foods, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, soda crackers
what to do
Saliva is the body's natural defence against tooth decay – constantly washing away acids and replenishing minerals in teeth. Give saliva time to work by limiting the number of times you eat each day. A good general rule is to limit eating times to 5 each day – 3 meals + 2 snacks.
“Tooth friendly” snack choices such as nuts, unsalted popcorn, cheese, fruits and vegetables are to be encouraged over less healthy snacks of the sugary, sticky type, such as lollies, muesli bars. Keep healthy choices ready and available to grab on the go.
You do not need to eliminate ALL the foods and drinks that have a bad effect on teeth. If tooth decay or erosion of enamel is a problem for you, even small changes that substitute some more “tooth friendly” choices each day can help.
Drinking lots of water can be healthy, practical and money saving alternatives to sugary or acidic drinks. Be aware that not all bottled water has fluoride in it. Drinking bottled exclusively may not give you the daily fluoride protection you need.
gum problems
Early signs of gum disease – bleeding gums when brushing or red and puffy gums may arise if daily teeth brushing routines slip. Changing hormones, such as during puberty or pregnancy can increase the likelihood that gum problems develop.
what to do
Early signs of gum disease can be reversed with more attention to brushing and flossing. This does NOT mean brushing harder (scrubbing) or using a harder toothbrush. Scrubbing and hard brushes can damage teeth. You can reverse the early signs of gum disease by brushing gently with a SOFT brush and by flossing – give special attention to the areas that look red and puffy or bleed.
Persistent swelling or bleeding despite regular cleaning are signs that something is noy right and that the advice of a dental professional is needed.
bad breath
Bad breath can have many causes such as smoking, gum disease, foods and drinks, or gastric reflux.
what to do
Thorough daily cleaning, including brushing the tongue, is the best defence against bad breath. Choose a brush such Colgate 360 with a tongue cleaner on the reverse side. Do not use sugary mints or sugary gum to freshen your breath as these can cause tooth decay if used regularly. On occasions when you do not have time to brush, use sugarless gum or mouthrinse. If bad breath persists, a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find solutions. Rinses and gum are not substitutes for daily brushing and flossing.
testing the boundaries
Young adults may start smoking, may start drinking alcohol, may increase intake of caffine by drinking coffee, tea, or energy drinks or may try recreational drugs. All these habits can affect the mouth. Oral problems linked with these habits include staining of teeth, reduced saliva, gum disease and oral cancer.
medicines
Some medicines can affect teeth and gums through high levels of “hidden sugars” or by reducing saliva. Inhalers particularly those containing steroids, can cause erosion of teeth enamel. Oral contraceptives (the pill) can increase the likelihood that gum problems can develop.
what to do
Never change medicines without speaking with your doctor first. Ask your doctor about the sugar content of medicines or the affect on saliva. Sometimes another medicine can be substituted by your doctor.
sporting interests
Some habits related to playing sport can affect the teeth. Dehydration from sporting activities can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. If athletes regularly drink sugary or acidic drinks to replace fluids, the risk of tooth decay increases. Many sports are acidic and can erode the enamel on teeth. Energy drinks can be high in caffeine which can affect dental health by changing the way the body handles water and saliva.
Some sports can put players at risk of having a tooth damaged or knocked out. Such damage can have lifelong consequences.
what to do
Drink plenty of WATER before, during and after playing sports. Consume sports or energy drinks in moderation.
Professionally made mouthguards are highly recommended for athletes who play contact sports. Mouthguards should be worn during training and playing games.
orthodontics (braces)
The teen years are a common time for orthodontic treatment. It can e more difficult to keep mouth and gums healthy with all the wires and brackets needed to move the teeth. See – ORAL CARE DURING ORTHODONIC TREATMENT (Colgate brochure) which gives details of how to care for your teeth and gums during this process.
tongue and lip piercing
There are risks of infection with ANY body piercing procedures. Individuals should ensure that the instruments to be used have been properly sterilised beforehand to avoid the risk of hepatitis B and C, tetanus or HIV. Barbells in the tongue can chip or break teeth. Gums can also be damaged if a piercing rubs against the gum. This is of particular concern with lip (la bret) piercings.
what to do
Watch the size and position of barbells in the tongue so teeth will not be damaged.
Watch the position of la bret piercings to ensure they do not rub against the gum.
Never sleep with piercings in.
tooth whitening
There is increasing interest in tooth whitening and many products are available. Some products work by removing the stains that build up on the outside of teeth from smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine. This is the kind of stain that most whitening toothpastes remove. Care needs to be taken in selecting a whitening toothpaste that the ingredients used to remove the stains are not too abrasive.
Other whitening products contain peroxide and lighten the colour of the tooth itself. New products are becoming available in pharmacies ad supermarkets. For best results consult a dental professional. Some dental professionals also use lasers for teeth whitening.
Temporary sensitivity is common during or after tooth whitening procedures. There are a number of products available from pharmacies and dental surgeries to help reduce sensitivity.
With thanks to Colgate Information Services.
more tooth decay!
Studies have shown that young adults (18-24 year olds) in Australia have more tooth decay compared to Australian children at 12 years of age. Similarly in New Zealand oral health gains made through the school years are not continued into adulthood. It is thought that the many changes in the lives of young adults may result in less tooth brushing, new eating patterns and less regular dental check-ups – changes that can increase the risk of tooth decay.
what to do – remember the basics!
Fluoride is needed DAILY throughout life to protect teeth against decay.
Fluoride is most easily applied DAILY through brushing teeth fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of tooth decay much more than brushing only once a day.
The most important time to apply some fluoride is before bedtime as the flow of saliva, which protects teeth against decay is lowest during sleep.
Use floss to remove plaque between teeth.
Have regular dental check-ups
Don't share toothbrushes – bacteria that causes tooth decay can be spread from person to person.
more tips
On occasions when a second brushing is not possible, fluoride can be applied simply by placing some fluoride toothpaste on a finger and smearing the paste on the teeth.
Fluoride mouthrinses can also be a source of fluoride application.
Look in your mouth regularly for early signs of tooth decay and other problems. Gently lift your upper lip and look for white spots near the gumline. If you see white spots, or dark spots, near the gumline, seek advice from a dental professional.
Keep in mind that signs of tooth decay are not always visible. Often tooth decay starts between teeth. Dental professionals have the equipment and training necessary to thoroughly examine your mouth for decay and other problems. So visit your dental professional for regular check-ups.
changing diets and eating patterns
Some young adults become very conscious of good diet. Others start substituting fast foods for regular nutritious meals. “Eating on the GO” and frequent snacking can become common. Teeth can be affected by these eating patterns as well as the types of foods and drinks that are consumed.
Acidic foods and drinks can “erode” enamel from teeth if consumed too frequently or sipped over a long period of time and held in the mouth. Acidic drinks include soft drinks, diet and regular, wine, cordials, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks. Acidic can also be a problem with some foods that are considered “healthy”, such as citrus fruits or salad dressings made of vinegar, if such foods are consumed too frequently.
acidity of some common foods and drinks
Acid Foods and Drinks (pH less than 4.5)
Apples, apricots, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries tomatoes, soft drinks, regular and diet, cordial, sports drinks, wine, fruit drinks, fruit juices, pickled vegetables salad dressings and lemons.
Low acid foods and Drinks (pH greater than 4.5)
Bananas, mangoes, melons, pawpaws, soups, pasta, milk, soda water, flat spring water, dairy foods, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, soda crackers
what to do
Saliva is the body's natural defence against tooth decay – constantly washing away acids and replenishing minerals in teeth. Give saliva time to work by limiting the number of times you eat each day. A good general rule is to limit eating times to 5 each day – 3 meals + 2 snacks.
“Tooth friendly” snack choices such as nuts, unsalted popcorn, cheese, fruits and vegetables are to be encouraged over less healthy snacks of the sugary, sticky type, such as lollies, muesli bars. Keep healthy choices ready and available to grab on the go.
You do not need to eliminate ALL the foods and drinks that have a bad effect on teeth. If tooth decay or erosion of enamel is a problem for you, even small changes that substitute some more “tooth friendly” choices each day can help.
Drinking lots of water can be healthy, practical and money saving alternatives to sugary or acidic drinks. Be aware that not all bottled water has fluoride in it. Drinking bottled exclusively may not give you the daily fluoride protection you need.
gum problems
Early signs of gum disease – bleeding gums when brushing or red and puffy gums may arise if daily teeth brushing routines slip. Changing hormones, such as during puberty or pregnancy can increase the likelihood that gum problems develop.
what to do
Early signs of gum disease can be reversed with more attention to brushing and flossing. This does NOT mean brushing harder (scrubbing) or using a harder toothbrush. Scrubbing and hard brushes can damage teeth. You can reverse the early signs of gum disease by brushing gently with a SOFT brush and by flossing – give special attention to the areas that look red and puffy or bleed.
Persistent swelling or bleeding despite regular cleaning are signs that something is noy right and that the advice of a dental professional is needed.
bad breath
Bad breath can have many causes such as smoking, gum disease, foods and drinks, or gastric reflux.
what to do
Thorough daily cleaning, including brushing the tongue, is the best defence against bad breath. Choose a brush such Colgate 360 with a tongue cleaner on the reverse side. Do not use sugary mints or sugary gum to freshen your breath as these can cause tooth decay if used regularly. On occasions when you do not have time to brush, use sugarless gum or mouthrinse. If bad breath persists, a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find solutions. Rinses and gum are not substitutes for daily brushing and flossing.
testing the boundaries
Young adults may start smoking, may start drinking alcohol, may increase intake of caffine by drinking coffee, tea, or energy drinks or may try recreational drugs. All these habits can affect the mouth. Oral problems linked with these habits include staining of teeth, reduced saliva, gum disease and oral cancer.
medicines
Some medicines can affect teeth and gums through high levels of “hidden sugars” or by reducing saliva. Inhalers particularly those containing steroids, can cause erosion of teeth enamel. Oral contraceptives (the pill) can increase the likelihood that gum problems can develop.
what to do
Never change medicines without speaking with your doctor first. Ask your doctor about the sugar content of medicines or the affect on saliva. Sometimes another medicine can be substituted by your doctor.
sporting interests
Some habits related to playing sport can affect the teeth. Dehydration from sporting activities can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. If athletes regularly drink sugary or acidic drinks to replace fluids, the risk of tooth decay increases. Many sports are acidic and can erode the enamel on teeth. Energy drinks can be high in caffeine which can affect dental health by changing the way the body handles water and saliva.
Some sports can put players at risk of having a tooth damaged or knocked out. Such damage can have lifelong consequences.
what to do
Drink plenty of WATER before, during and after playing sports. Consume sports or energy drinks in moderation.
Professionally made mouthguards are highly recommended for athletes who play contact sports. Mouthguards should be worn during training and playing games.
orthodontics (braces)
The teen years are a common time for orthodontic treatment. It can e more difficult to keep mouth and gums healthy with all the wires and brackets needed to move the teeth. See – ORAL CARE DURING ORTHODONIC TREATMENT (Colgate brochure) which gives details of how to care for your teeth and gums during this process.
tongue and lip piercing
There are risks of infection with ANY body piercing procedures. Individuals should ensure that the instruments to be used have been properly sterilised beforehand to avoid the risk of hepatitis B and C, tetanus or HIV. Barbells in the tongue can chip or break teeth. Gums can also be damaged if a piercing rubs against the gum. This is of particular concern with lip (la bret) piercings.
what to do
Watch the size and position of barbells in the tongue so teeth will not be damaged.
Watch the position of la bret piercings to ensure they do not rub against the gum.
Never sleep with piercings in.
tooth whitening
There is increasing interest in tooth whitening and many products are available. Some products work by removing the stains that build up on the outside of teeth from smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine. This is the kind of stain that most whitening toothpastes remove. Care needs to be taken in selecting a whitening toothpaste that the ingredients used to remove the stains are not too abrasive.
Other whitening products contain peroxide and lighten the colour of the tooth itself. New products are becoming available in pharmacies ad supermarkets. For best results consult a dental professional. Some dental professionals also use lasers for teeth whitening.
Temporary sensitivity is common during or after tooth whitening procedures. There are a number of products available from pharmacies and dental surgeries to help reduce sensitivity.
With thanks to Colgate Information Services.