Dental Care for Teens
Dental health should be a priority for people of all ages, but many teens don’t realize the importance of good oral health. However, that doesn’t mean that dental care should be neglected.
At Contemporary Dental Arts, Dr. Lauren J. Shanard offers a comprehensive range of dental treatments that cater to patients of all ages. She offers general dentistry services, along with restorative dentistry treatments that repair dental damage, to improve the health and function of the smile.
Here, we discuss the dental care services for teens that are available at our Williston, VT practice. These services help teens properly care for the teeth and gums despite the busy lives they may be leading.
GENERAL DENTAL CARE
General dentistry services are the foundation of professional dental care. At a minimum, all teens should see the dentist twice a year for routine dental exams and cleanings. These services complement at-home oral hygiene routines and help prevent serious dental complications.
Although every patient should be brushing at least twice a day and flossing nightly, Dr. Shanard understands that this is not always the case, especially with her teen patients. Unfortunately, failing to brush and floss routinely can lead to plaque buildup.
A professional dental cleaning is the only way to effectively remove hard plaque and tartar and prevent tooth decay. Teens may also benefit from additional general dentistry services, such as the following, to further protect the teeth from dental damage:
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that protects the teeth from dental damage. Since teens tend to be at higher risk for tooth decay, they are often good candidates for fluoride treatment. Fluoride is typically given as a rinse or brushed directly on the teeth. Treatment is quick and pain-free, and can dramatically reduce the risk of dental cavities.
- Sealants: If a teen is particularly prone to tooth decay, we may recommend dental sealants. A dental sealant is a clear or tooth-colored coating that is brushed directly over the teeth. Once the material hardens, it seals off the tooth to block out harmful bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
RESTORATIVE DENTAL CARE
The goal of professional dental care is to prevent tooth decay and other dental complications. However, it is not unusual for minor problems to develop. Restorative dentistry treatments address these problems to improve the health and strength of the teeth and gums.
Teens typically do not suffer from advanced oral health problems. Tooth decay, though, is a fairly common problem among younger patients. Minor to moderate cases of tooth decay, more commonly known as dental cavities, are the leading dental problem among teens.
Cavities can be effectively treated with a dental filling. During treatment, damaged tooth enamel is removed before applying a tooth-colored compound to fill in areas of damage. This compound is hardened with a special dental light that strengthens the material and allows it to bond with the tooth.
A dental filling restores the strength, function, and appearance of the smile. Although it is rare for teens to suffer from more extensive damage, Dr. Shanard also offers additional restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental crowns, if needed.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
If your teen is in need of general or restorative dentistry treatments, Dr. Lauren J. Shanard can help. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn more about our dental services for teens.