Teen's Dentistry - Best Dentist in San Antonio

Dental health during the teen years offers another set of challenges. For most parents, this doesn’t come as a big surprise. A dizzying number of changes strike during these formative years, and parents often experience a few frustrations along the way.

Teens listen more than we realize, and pestering parents can make a tremendous difference in the dental future of your young adult. You might feel like you are nagging, but believe it or not, the constant reminders to brush, floss, and eat well will sink in. Don’t underestimate any encouragement given to help your teen avoid the long-term effects of cavities and gum inflammation.

Preventive visits every six months provide us with an opportunity to coach your teen and reinforce the efforts you’re making with them. Sometimes the rapport we establish in a professional, yet friendly, setting proves especially effective.

Tips for home efforts that protect your teen’s dental health:

Limit sodas and energy drinks. Sugary, carbonated drinks are the number one cause of tooth decay in adolescents. Most 20-ounce bottles of soda are just 18 teaspoons of sugar mixed with an extremely acidic liquid. The combination can be devastating for teeth as well as your teen’s overall health.
Encourage brushing before bedtime. The hours spent sleeping can be especially harmful as the mouth dries out and bacteria flourishes.
Explain the dangers of sharing toothbrushes. Bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities can easily transfer from one person to another.
Slip dental floss or a toothpick in with their lunch or backpack.

View All Services

Teen's Dentistry FAQs

Why do wisdom teeth start coming in during the teenage years?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually start to appear in the late teenage years or early twenties. They are the last set of molars to develop and can cause problems if there isn’t enough space in the mouth. Sometimes wisdom teeth grow in straight and healthy, but they can also become impacted, crooked, or partially erupted, which may lead to pain, infection, or crowding. Your family dentist can monitor their development with X-rays and recommend removal if necessary.

Is it normal to have a cavity as a teenager?

Yes, cavities are common in teenagers because their teeth are still developing. Habits like eating sugary snacks, drinking sodas, or skipping regular brushing and flossing can increase the risk of cavities. Regular dentist visits every 6 months, proper brushing, flossing, and preventive treatments like fluoride or sealants can help reduce cavities. If a cavity does occur, your dentist can treat it quickly to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

How do I get a teenager to visit the dentist?

Encouraging a teenager to visit the dentist can be made easier with a few strategies. Explain the benefits of dentist appointments, like preventing cavities, keeping their smile healthy, and avoiding pain. Let them have some control by letting them choose the appointment time or ask questions about their care. Positive reinforcement, like praise or small rewards, can help. Finding a family dentist, like those at Lee Dental Centers, who are experienced with teens can also make the visit more comfortable and less stressful.

Should your teen still see a pediatric dentist?

Yes, teens can continue seeing a pediatric dentist until around age 18. At Lee Dental Centers, your child can smoothly transition from pediatric to adult dental care without changing offices. Their care simply evolves as their needs and concerns change, addressing things like braces, wisdom teeth, and cavity prevention. This approach ensures consistent, familiar dental care while preparing your teen for adult-focused oral health.