4 Ways to Motivate Your Teen to Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Teenagers lead busy lives. Although they are more conscious of their appearance, they can let their oral hygiene fall short, often without even realizing it. While they may quickly brush their teeth in the morning, they may not be giving their smile the attention it deserves. If you want to help them avoid a dental emergency, such as a serious infection, here are 4 ways to encourage them to practice better oral hygiene for a healthier smile.

Encourage Routines

As their parent, you set the rules, so when you say they need to brush, floss, and rinse in the morning and at night, make sure they do. By reminding them of this routine or encouraging them to set an alarm on their phone, they will begin to adopt it over time so that it becomes second nature. As a result, you and your teen can have greater peace of mind knowing that their smile is being properly cared for at home.

Encourage Healthy Diets

When buying groceries, make sure you’re filling your cart with healthy foods so that your teen isn’t tempted to eat sugary and starchy snacks. Your decision to keep nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, lean proteins, dairy, and whole grains around the house ensures they maintain a diet that benefits their body, brain, and smile.

Encourage Proper Mouth Protection

No teenager wants a damaged set of teeth, so if you have an athlete in your home, make sure they wear proper mouth protection during the game. Reminding your teen of what could happen if they refuse to wear it can be enough for them to keep it in while on the court, field, or track. Don’t hesitate to emphasize that without a mouthguard, their chances of dental damage increase, leading to the need for restorative dental care by their emergency dentist.

Encourage Regular Checkups & Cleanings

Some teenagers feel they’re too young to visit a pediatric dentist for treatment. The truth is, their jaw and oral structures are still developing, so it’s important that a children’s dental professional take care of their smile during this time. By encouraging regular dental checkups and cleanings, you ensure they continue to receive essential oral care that will keep their smile on the right track.

No matter what kind of teenager you have in your home, chances are they need help maintaining good oral hygiene during these challenging years. By offering encouragement and setting an example, you can ensure they enter adulthood with a healthier smile.

About the Author
Dr. Golnaz Goodarzi is a board-certified pediatric dentist who strives to help every patient remain comfortable and happy during their appointment. When working with teenagers, she offers helpful tips to make at-home oral hygiene easy and enjoyable. As a mother, she understands the challenges many parents face in ensuring their kids brush, floss, and maintain a healthy diet. If you need help encouraging your teenager, contact us via our website or call (508) 832-6278 to schedule an appointment.