Teenage Zone

Teenage Zone 

Key points 

• To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, teenagers should brush teeth twice a day and avoid sugary foods and drinks. 

• Smoking, alcohol and other drugs can affect oral health. 

• Teenagers should have regular dental check-ups, usually every 6-12 months. 

The 32 adult teeth replace the baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 20 years. By the age of 12, most children have all their adult teeth except for their third molars (wisdom teeth), which appear around 18-20 years. 

You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you're under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education. 

Regarding dental health, teenagers face unique challenges compared to adults, such as: 

• Wisdom teeth 

• Orthodontic treatment 

• Oral injuries from playing sports 

• Experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs 

• Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia 

• Oral piercings 

Common Dental Concerns for Teenagers

(Suggested heading: Common Teeth and Mouth Problems in Teenagers)

The following points explain some common teeth and mouth problems that many teenagers and young adults may have.

Tobacco Products

(Suggested heading: Smoking and Oral Health)

Smoking cigarettes harms the mouth and teeth. It can cause:

• Plaque and tartar build-up

• Dry mouth (this is when the mouth does not make enough saliva, also called xerostomia)

• Bad breath (also called halitosis)

• Oral cancer (cancer in the mouth)

• Gum disease

• Tooth staining or yellow teeth

Eating Disorders

(Suggested heading: How Eating Disorders Affect the Mouth)

Mental health conditions like anorexia and bulimia can harm a teenager’s body and emotions.
They can also affect the mouth and teeth.

Eating disorders can lead to:

Dental erosion

This happens when a person vomits often. Stomach acid washes over the teeth again and again.
It wears away the tooth enamel, which makes teeth weak.

Nutritional deficiencies

When a person does not eat enough food, they do not get enough vitamins.
This can cause:

• Gum disease

• Tooth decay

• Bad breath

• Dry mouth

• Canker sores (small, painful mouth ulcers)

Oral Injuries

(Suggested heading: Mouth Injuries From Sports)

Teenagers who play sports have a higher chance of hurting their mouth.
This may include:

• Broken jaws

• Broken teeth

• Cuts to the soft parts of the mouth

Wearing a mouth guard can greatly lower the risk of these injuries.
It is important that teenagers wear a mouth guard when playing sports.

Oral Piercings

(Suggested heading: Piercings in the Mouth)

Many teenagers and young adults choose to get piercings on their tongue or lips.
Mouth jewellery can cause:

• Nerve damage

• Too much drooling

• Problems during dental X-rays because the jewellery can block the image

Alcohol and Drugs

(Suggested heading: How Alcohol and Drugs Affect the Mouth)

Many teenagers try alcohol and other drugs. Teenagers are also more likely to binge drink.
This can lead to alcohol addiction later in life.

Alcohol misuse can cause serious mouth and teeth problems, such as:

Periodontal disease

This is a serious gum condition. It leads to permanent loss of bone and the tissues that hold the teeth in place.

Oral cancer

This is a dangerous illness. It causes sores in the mouth that do not heal and get worse over time.

Drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of:

• Dry mouth

• Bad breath

• Tooth decay

• Dental erosion (this is when the outer layer of the tooth wears away)

• Gingivitis (sore and swollen gums)

Common Dental Treatments and Procedures for Teenagers

(Suggested heading: Dental Care and Treatments for Teenagers)

Here are some common treatments for teenagers and young adults.

Braces

(Suggested heading: Braces for Straightening Teeth)

The teenage years are a common time for orthodontic treatment.
Braces are the most common way to straighten teeth that are not in the right position.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specialises in straightening teeth.
They usually place braces when a child or teenager is between 10 and 15 years old.
Older teenagers and young adults can also have braces.

Clear Aligners

(Suggested heading: Invisible Braces)

Clear aligners are also called invisible aligners.
They straighten teeth that are crooked or not lined up well.

Clear aligners:

• Are custom-made for each person

• Can be taken out

• Are see-through and harder to notice than braces

Many teenagers and young adults choose clear aligners because they can remove them and they look more discreet.

Teeth Whitening

(Suggested heading: Making Teeth Whiter)

Tooth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment for teenagers and young adults who want a brighter smile.
Many people choose to whiten their teeth before big events like proms or graduation.

Some people use home whitening kits. Others visit a dentist for professional whitening.
It is important to talk to your dentist about which option is safest and best for you.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

(Suggested heading: Removing Wisdom Teeth)

Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) usually grow during the late teenage years or in early adulthood.
They are the last set of molars to come through.

Most people do not have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to grow in normally.
This is why they are often removed between ages 16 and 20.

Removing wisdom teeth helps prevent:

• Teeth growing in at the wrong angle

• Pain

• Infections

Periodontal Treatment

(Suggested heading: Treatment for Gum Problems)

Puberty and menstruation can make gums more inflamed and sensitive.
Because of this, many teenagers develop gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease.

Common signs include:

• Swollen gums

• Red gums

• Gums that bleed when brushing

Regular dental cleanings and good oral care at home can help treat gingivitis.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a severe type of gum disease that can cause permanent damage and needs more intensive treatment.

Wisdom teeth

(Suggested heading: About Wisdom Teeth)

Wisdom teeth usually grow in much later than other teeth.
They often come through between ages 17 and 21.
Some people never get wisdom teeth at all.

A dentist can check your wisdom teeth and give advice.
They may take X‑rays to see how your wisdom teeth are growing and if there are any problems.

Sometimes people have issues when their wisdom teeth start to come through.
These problems can happen because of:

• The way the teeth are positioned

• Not enough space in the mouth

• The direction the teeth are growing

Wisdom teeth problems can cause pain or other more serious issues.
In some cases, the teeth may need to be removed.

Whether a wisdom tooth is removed depends on its position in the mouth.
Sometimes removal can be done in a normal dental practice using local anaesthetic (medicine that numbs the mouth).
Other people may need their wisdom teeth removed in a hospital under general anaesthetic (medicine that makes the person sleep during the procedure).