Things Teenagers Do To Wear Down Their Teeth

While our last post talked about how even young children are susceptible to cavities, there is still a large chunk of time between those early years and the adult years that are (hopefully!) filled with healthy brushing and dental habits. We’re talking about teenagers, and there are many things teenagers do that can lead to periodontal troubles down the line. In our midtown Manhattan dental office, we’re always pleased when our patients are young men and women who are serious about dental health. But here are some tips on things for those young people to avoid when they’re in school or in home.

Chewing ice is a habit many teenagers have, but chewing ice can lead to microfractures in your teeth that create an entryway for bacteria. Too much bleaching can wear down teeth, as can drinking too many sugary sports drinks that have acids in them that can further wear down enamel. Chewing tobacco is another habit common in teens, but it contains grit and sand that wears down teeth, as well as chemicals that can cause serious oral problems and even oral cancer.

Teenage years can be tough, but they can also be great fun. Our qualified licensed dentists want to make those years as easy as possible by protecting all our patients from dangerous lifestyle choices. And teens that avoid these common things can look forward to a healthy mouth for years to come.