AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE FOR TEENS

Dental health is important at every age, but teenagers have a few special issues:

LIFESTYLE
Their fast-paced, high-pressure schedules may force them to eat on the go, and convenience foods and drinks usually have loads of excess sugar. In fact, the average can of soda pop contains ten teaspoons of sugar, and enough acid to eat through a car's paint! Drinking through a straw will give your teeth some extra protection from all that sugar and acid. The diet versions of pop skip the sugar, but still have other dental risks, such as staining teeth, and the caffeine may block some calcium absorption. Grabbing a bottle of water is your best bet, or bring your own bottle and fill it at the water fountain for free.

Prepackaged snacks like cookies and even granola bars can pack lots of extra sugar and carbohydrates, so limit snacks and chew sugarless gum after eating when you can't get to a toothbrush.

Teens may decide to take up smoking, which can also add stains, damage teeth and contribute to tooth loss. There are mouthwashes and toothpastes that address specific concerns of smokers, but there so many other health risks that come along with smoking and quitting or (better yet) not starting is standard medical advice. Save lots of money now and in the future by remaining a non-smoker.

SPORTS
Many teens participate on teams and in vigorous sports, and a mouth guard should be worn as part of the protective gear for any activity that might involve getting hit or kicked in the face. A mouth guard protects more than teeth it can also prevent injuries to the lips, jaw and even the tongue. Custom-fitted mouth guards are available from your dentist and also at sporting goods stores, catalogs and websites so do some price-comparisons and find the best deal for the type of mouth guard your coach recommends.

SELF-IMAGE
During this time of physical and mental changes, teens are usually very self-conscious about things like stained, crooked or misaligned teeth. While these things may seem cosmetic, improper biting and chewing can contribute to digestive issues. Teens may also be concerned about bad breath. Self-esteem is an important component of confidence, and a poor self-image may lead to depression and/or anxiety. Appearance, and a teens attitude about his or hers, goes far beyond sitting at the cool table in the cafeteria or getting a date for the prom these factors will eventually come to play during job

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