Published on June 20, 2016, Updated on August 28, 2020

Dr. Shiney George and our team stress the importance of caring for your teeth. Your smile is among the first things that people notice about you. Please remember that you can get cavities at any age, not just as a kid. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day. Avoid sugary and starchy snacks.

There are several oral concerns that may come up during your teenage years, including:

Braces

Those with cooked teeth or a bad bite may benefit from braces. These appliances can straighten your teeth, improve the appearance of your smile, and improve your oral health. The oral health is improved because straight teeth are easier to care for. Braces come in several varieties, including: tooth-colored braces, metal braces, and removable aligners.

Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth generally grow in between 17 and 21 years of age. In many cases, there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow in properly. If this is the case, our dentist will refer you to a specialist to have your impacted wisdom teeth removed. If impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, pain, infection, tooth decay, and damage to the surrounding teeth may occur.

Smoking

Smoking is bad for you in general, so it’s no surprise that tobacco is also bad for your teeth. There are several ways that smoking can affect your oral health, including:

  • Bad breath
  • Stained teeth and tongue
  • Dulled sense of taste and smell
  • Slow recovery and healing after a tooth extraction or oral surgery
  • Difficulty with correcting cosmetic dental issues
  • Gum disease, and even tooth loss
  • Oral cancer

If you smoke, quit to decrease your risk of these and other tobacco-related health problems. It is important that you have a plan, method, and support group when working to kicking the habit.

Mouth Jewelry

Piercings of the mouth or tongue may look cool, but they can be dangerous to your oral health. The mouth has millions of bacteria, and mouth piercings often cause infection and swelling. If the swelling becomes severe, it could close off the airway. You can also crack a tooth if you bite down on your piercing. Because of these and other risks, it is best to not pierce any part of your mouth.

Sports Guard

If you play a sport like basketball, baseball, or football, our dentist in Frisco, Texas, may recommend that you wear a mouth guard. Wearing a mouth guard during sports can help protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury.

We invite you to contact Highland Oak Dental to learn more and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shiney George.

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Dr. George’s Dental Affiliations Dr. George is highly educated and experienced in providing dental care. She provides the dental care you and your family need to reach healthy smiles. Read more about our Team.