Why Are the Teeth of Teens at a Greater Risk for Oral Health Damage?

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Why are the teeth of teens at a greater risk for oral health damage? People often get the last of their adult teeth during their teenage years, but unfortunately, some of the teeth may not grow in properly, or there might not be enough space left, causing overcrowding and other spacing abnormalities. Compounding the problem, teenagers often find themselves at overwhelming odds battling peer pressure and a host of situations that can destroy their smiles.

Listed below are some oral health risks to the teeth and gums of teenagers:

– Mouth jewelry is a serious threat to the mouths of teens because they are so popular, so many teens feel the need to get mouth jewelry, including lip and tongue rings. However, these objects are often sharp and hard, and can easily hurt your teeth and gums, resulting in infections, bleeding, inflammation, choking hazards, and infectious diseases such as endocarditis and hepatitis.

– Smoking or chewing tobacco can destroy a teenager’s mouth, and cause tooth discoloration, gum disease, and oral cancer.

– Contact sports are one of the biggest causes of oral injuries in teens, so always be sure to wear the recommended safety gear.

– It is possible for wisdom teeth to grow in inaccurately and lead to a variety of oral ailments, such as tooth decay, infection, malocclusions, and jaw pain.

– Teens are frequently tempted by the allure of drugs from their peers, but most drugs can cause irreversible tooth loss and gum disease.

If you would like to meet with Dr. Clell M. Morris and our team at Forsyth Dental Center for an oral examination, please call 478-994-0440 to schedule an appointment at our dentist office in Forsyth, Georgia. Come on in to learn more about your options to get the bright and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.