Between classes, sports, after-school programs and friends, teenagers have a lot to manage. Unfortunately, that could be bad news for their dental health. A busy schedule and the pressures of high school can lead to bad habits like grinding their teeth, neglecting their oral hygiene, relying on energy drinks, or vaping to relieve stress. But bad habits now could follow them for the rest of their lives. Here’s how to deal with some of the most common oral health risks teenagers face.
1. Poor Brushing Habits
Tooth decay is very common in teenagers. In fact, around 12% of teens have untreated decay in at least one of their teeth. However, hectic schedules often get in the way of good brushing habits. One way to get your busy teen to brush their teeth is to suggest brushing while showering so they can multitask. Connecting a new habit to an established routine makes it easier to maintain. (Just remind your teen that moisture can cause bacteria to grow, so they should not leave their toothbrush in the shower.)
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Keeping up with homework, tests, extracurricular activities, and work can put a lot of stress on teenagers. That anxiety often leads to night bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep). Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel or even cause fractures. Bruxism can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders. If your teen is grinding their teeth, we can fit them with a custom mouthguard that protects their teeth and prevents pain by helping the jaw find a relaxed position.
3. Energy Drinks
Teenagers love energy drinks, but they’re actually really bad for their teeth. The combination of sugar, citric acid, and artificial colors increases the risk of stains and tooth decay. Plus, the high levels of caffeine make teeth grinding more likely.
4. Contact Sports
If your teenager plays contact sports like football or hockey, they have a much higher risk of breaking or losing a tooth. The same goes for sports like baseball and softball, where there’s a chance they could get a projectile to the face. Wearing a mouthguard is the best way for your teen to protect their teeth during games and practices.
5. Vaping or Smoking
The CDC estimates that 7.8% of high school students use e-cigarettes. The nicotine in tobacco products and vapes is not only highly addictive, it also increases the risk of gum disease by restricting blood flow. It causes dry mouth as well, which creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. If your teen is vaping, they need to quit before they end up with problems like stained teeth, receding gums, and premature tooth loss.
Looking for a Family Dentist in Flagstaff?
Teenagers need dental checkups every six months, just like adults do. A professional cleaning from our dental hygienists will remove the plaque and tartar buildup from poor brushing habits. And if they need a mouth guard for contact sports or to prevent teeth grinding, we can design a custom-fitted one that’s strong and comfortable. If your teen is due for a checkup, contact Country Club Dental to make an appointment today.
Photo by www.kaboompics.com on Pexels used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/29/2026.
