Top Tips: Tooth Truths for Teens & Twenties

 

Most kids growing up go to the dentist regularly because your parents make your appointments, take you there, and pay for it! Soon, you may be on your own! Many young adults stop going for professional dental checkups in their 20's because they're moving around a lot, don't have dental insurance (and mistakenly think they need it), have a tight budget, and have other priorities. You're out enjoying life--who cares about going to the dentist? When dental care is a priority again, usually in their early 30's, it's often because an emergency has forced them to think about their mouths. By the time it hurts, a lot of damage can be done-expensive damage that insurance doesn't even cover (IF they have it and most don't)! An ignored cavity can lead to an infected nerve, root canal treatment, and a core and protective crown for a total of $2800 in treatment costs for JUST ONE TOOTH. You've got 28 teeth, not including wisdom teeth--now that really hurts! Want to avoid that kind of pain? Read on!

 

  1. BRUSH: If you eat, BRUSH afterwards! Start in one spot and work around the curve-don't jump around or skip teeth. Brush off the tongue germs. Can't brush? Chew Xylitol gum, chew sugarless gum, or rinse well with water.
  2. WATER: Drink water, not soda, power drinks, or juice. Save those for special treats a few times a week-not daily.
  3. LESS SUGAR: Any simple carbohydrate = SUGAR -even Òall-naturalÓ. Beware breakfast cereals-read the package. Avoid sticky foods (dried fruits, candy bars). Avoid crackers/chips, chocolate milk, Coke, and Powerade. Avoid ÒgrazingÓ-snacking at will throughout the day. Eat sweets with a meal-not alone. Beer=carbs! Watch out for common medicines that contain sugar: cough drops, cough medicines, vitamins, TUMS.
  4. BETTER THAN SUGAR: The natural sweetener Xylitol prevents cavities if used at least 5 times each day. Xylitol = less plaque, less acid, and less decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. Look for it in gum, mints, toothpaste, mouth-rinses, and granules for cooking and beverages. . Use in your tea and coffee. Stevia is natural and safe for teeth, too.
  5. FLUORIDE AND XYLITOL TOOTHPASTE: Fluoride strengthens teeth against acid from germs, diet, and stomach (vomiting, bulimia-don't brush directly after vomiting-neutralize the acid by rinsing with baking soda and fluoride first). Xylitol stops germs from growing up to make acid. Together, they are a cavity-prevention team!
  6. FLOSS: Floss any teeth that touch side-by-side! Healthy gums don't bleed. Bleeding gums need to be cleaned more, not Òavoided.Ó Floss your teeth, smell the floss-remember to floss once a day forevermore. No one wants that crap in their mouth!
  7. KISSING: if your partner has bad teeth and gums, they could pass the bacteria on to you. Cold sores (herpes virus) are contagious-don't kiss or be kissed with active sores!
  8. NO TOBACCO: Cancer. Bad breath. Cavities (dip rots teeth with sugar, cigarettes dry your mouth and make it cavity-prone). Enough said-you're smart.
  9. MOUTHGUARD=KEEP YOUR TEETH AND BRAIN: A professionally-made guard fits well, works better than a stock guard, and is easy to breathe and speak with. Elbow and head contact can knock out teeth; concussions due to impact to/falling on the chin can be prevented or lessened by mouth guards. Good for soccer, ultimate Frisbee, mountain biking , horseback riding, ice skating, in addition to the obvious football, ice hockey, basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse. You can't afford to lose a tooth!
  10. KNOW YOUR DENTIST BEFORE YOU NEED ONE: Visit your dentist at least one a year-no matter what! That will be $200 well-spent. Budget for it and pay out of pocket, if need be. Offer to work in exchange for care. No excuses. If you only go to the dentist for emergencies or problems, you're cheating yourself of the benefits of a strong & healthy smile. Teeth are made to last a lifetime when you take care of them-and now you do!