Do you have a teenager at home who isn’t the best at listening? Is it difficult to capture their attention long enough to remind them to brush and floss their teeth? You’re not alone. Like many parents, the struggle of raising teens is hard. Getting them to spend a few minutes focused on their oral health may seem like an impossible feat; however, a pediatric dentist in Denver is here to offer 4 tips to help your teenager make time to care for their smile.
Set a Good Example
As a parent, it is your responsibility to lead by example. While it is natural for teens to be defiant and want to do the exact opposite of what you do, you’d be surprised at how often they take note of your words and actions. If they see you taking care of your oral health, they will be more likely to do the same. You can speed things along by making brushing, flossing, and rinsing a family affair.
Let Them Be Apart of the Selection Process
Depending on the age of your teen, they may or may not get as excited about picking out a new toothbrush or toothpaste. This tip is typically more fun for little ones just learning how to brush; however, by allowing your teen to feel as if they have a say in which products they use, this will help them to become more informed and, in turn, begin to take their oral hygiene more seriously.
Suggest Fun Activities While Brushing
If there is one thing teenagers don’t like, it’s waiting. Not only do they find it boring, but in their mind, it is to be avoided at all costs. Even spending two minutes waiting for the brushing process to be completed is excruciating. This is why it’s important to recommend fun activities to pass the time. This can include playing their favorite music or finding an app that turns oral hygiene into a game. If your child routinely takes care of their smile day after day, they can earn points. As the parent, you can then establish a reward system that encourages them to continue working toward better oral health. After all, how many teens don’t have access to a phone, tablet, or another portable device at all times?
Schedule a Visit to See the Pediatric Dentist
One of the most important steps you can take in encouraging your teen to take better care of their oral health is to schedule an appointment to see a dentist. While they may be apprehensive at first or try to find an excuse not to go, it will highlight any problems they might be developing due to their lackluster habits.
You can also explain how seeing a dentist for teenagers in Denver and practicing good oral habits will keep their smile looking and feeling its best, which is vitally important someone who is self-conscious. If you need additional tips to help your teen take action, make sure to talk to their pediatric dentist.
About the Author
Dr. J. Patrick Bowman has more than
a decade of experience working in the field of dentistry. Completing his
undergraduate studies at Thomas More University, he went on to earn his Doctor
of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Kentucky. As a board-certified
pediatric dentist, he leads a team of professionals at Wash Park Pediatric
Dentistry who can offer tips and tricks to help even the most stubborn teen
take better care of their oral health. For more daily tips or to schedule an
appointment for your teen, contact us at (720) 647-6310 or visit our website.