Answers to common dental health questions you might be asking if you’re a teen (or the parent of one):
Do I need to wear a mouthguard?
If you play an organized sport or are active in things like skateboarding or snowboarding, it’s a good idea to protect yourself by wearing a mouthguard. It might feel a little strange at first, but a well-fitted mouthguard helps cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. Your dentist can help you figure out which mouthguard is right for you.
Your dentist might also fit you with a different kind of mouthguard (designed for nighttime wear) if you’re showing signs of teeth grinding, which can happen while you sleep without you even knowing. Teeth grinding, which can lead to jaw pain and headaches, can be caused by stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. A mouthguard for sleeping, also known as a night guard, can help protect your teeth from the damage grinding can do.
How do I keep my breath fresh?
Fresh breath begins with a clean mouth, so brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Clean between your teeth daily with products like floss, dental picks or a water flosser to get rid of leftover food and sticky buildup (plaque) between your teeth, which contributes to bad breath. Water cleanses your mouth, too, so staying hydrated helps.
Mouth rinses and sugar-free mints or gum are fine, but they’re a temporary fix — they can’t do the job alone. Build a good daily routine and you’ll notice a real difference.
Should I get braces?
If you have a bad bite or your teeth are crooked, your dentist might suggest you see an orthodontist. Braces can improve your smile and correct any issues that make it hard for you to bite, chew or speak clearly. Teeth that don’t line up properly might also be harder to clean, which can lead to cavities or gum disease — making braces a smart choice in preventing dental problems later on.
Do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth — also called your “third molars” — don’t always cause problems, but sometimes there’s not enough space in your mouth for them, or they’re in the wrong position to come through your gums without creating other issues.
After looking at your dental X-rays, your dentist might advise that your wisdom teeth come out. Since teeth develop differently in every person, regular checkups will help your dental team monitor what’s happening and recommend the right treatment.
Will sports drinks give me cavities?
Sports and energy drinks can increase your risk of cavities in two ways:
- Many brands have lots of added sugar. Even if they’re sweetened with so-called “healthy” or “natural” ingredients like agave nectar or fruit concentrate, sugar is sugar when it comes to your teeth. Learn to read labels so you know the sugar content of what you’re drinking.
- Energy and sports drinks tend to have high levels of dietary acid, which wears away the enamel protecting your teeth through a process known as tooth erosion.
The healthiest drink for your teeth is water, preferably with fluoride. If you like bubbles, plain sparkling water can be a good choice too.
Can tobacco and nicotine use hurt my teeth and gums?
Tobacco in any form – smoking or smokeless – is harmful to your oral and overall health and can lead to:
- Stains on your teeth and tongue
- A dulled sense of taste or smell
- Painful, bleeding gums
- Higher risks for cavities and tooth loss
- Cancer of the mouth or throat
Although products like e-cigarettes (or vapes) and nicotine pouches do not contain actual tobacco leaf, they are still considered tobacco products because they contain nicotine, which is extracted from tobacco. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance known to affect brain development in children, teens and young adults. E-cigarettes and nicotine pouches also contain other harmful chemicals that can negatively affect your oral and overall health.
The good news: millions of people have quit using tobacco products, and you can too. The sooner you quit, the more your teeth, your mouth and your whole body will benefit. Visit smokefree.gov to get started.
Are mouth piercings safe?
Mouth piercings are a form of self-expression and fashion, but they come with risks. Your mouth is home to millions of naturally occurring bacteria, and as these piercings become more popular, dentists and other health care providers are seeing infections in people who get them. An infection from an oral piercing can make your mouth and tongue swell so much that you can’t breathe. Infected mouth piercings can even lead to serious infections elsewhere in the body, like hepatitis or endocarditis.
It’s also easy for the jewelry to break, causing choking or chipped and broken teeth, especially if you bite down on a fragment that gets into your mouth. Even when jewelry stays intact, it might repeatedly tap against your teeth, damaging your protective enamel.
How can dental sealants protect my teeth?
Dental sealants are a protective, plastic coating your dentist applies to your teeth, usually on the chewing surfaces of back teeth or used to cover pits and grooves in other teeth where cavities might form. The goal is to stop decay before it starts.
Sealing a tooth is fast and easy. Sealants are made to handle normal chewing, but sometimes they need to be reapplied. Having sealants doesn’t mean you can skip brushing and flossing. They’re just an extra level of protection against cavities.
Learn more about dental health issues:
- Why having an eating disorder can be hard on your teeth
- Safe, effective ways to whiten your teeth
- Does mouthwash help fight cavities?
- What is “meth mouth”?