Smiling Through Puberty: Teen Oral Health Tips

I felt heartbroken as I delivered the bad news to my patient: Her gums had receded to the point that I needed to remove a few of her teeth and surgically rebuild the gum tissue she had lost.

She was 16.

While irreversible gum disease is mostly an adult problem, the potential for gum disease goes into overdrive during adolescence, when hormones create a cascade of changes in the body. It is not unusual in my practice to see people who skipped dental visits in their adolescent years and now need dentures in their 30s. Oral health during puberty, particularly for young women, can have a profound effect on gum health for life. Dental hygiene for teenagers should be taught at a young age, and why we brush our teeth.

The rush of estrogen & progesterone during puberty can increase blood flow to the gums of tween and teen girls, leaving them red, swollen and sensitive to bleeding. Swelling also leaves the mouth more susceptible to plaque, the bacteria that can cause gum disease.

For women, of course, hormonal changes don’t end with puberty. Each month, progesterone will peak a few days before menstruation. This can trigger swollen and bleeding gums. Which in turn, swollen gums during a period could lead to gum disease.

Learning how to manage these changes during the adolescent years is important for a lifetime of healthy smiles– your dentist can help. Visit the dentist every six months and maintain good oral hygiene (that means brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly). 

Dentists spend a lot of time teaching our younger patients how to properly brush and floss, but the teen years are foundational for good oral health – and I admit that it’s easy to forget that these emerging adults still need more help than we think when it comes to taking care of their teeth.

How can you help empower your teen to know if her mouth needs professional attention? Ask her the following:

• Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? If so, that is a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible form of gum disease.

• Are your gums red or swollen?

• Does it appear your gums are pulling away from your teeth?

• Do you have unexplained bad breath?

• Are your adult teeth loose?

If you’re concerned, call the dentist, even if they're not due for their six-month checkup. When it comes to preventing irreversible gum disease, early intervention is key. 

The hormonal changes of puberty are well-known for disrupting their sleep patterns, intensifying their moods, and impacting their decision-making abilities. As adults, it’s our responsibility to help them get back on track. I recommend turning oral hygiene concerns into questions such as, “What is stopping you from brushing and flossing your teeth every night?” Teaching teens how hormones impact oral health can lead to a healthier happier life.

If you’re lucky enough to get more than a grunt and eye roll as a response, use the answer as a learning opportunity. (If your tween or teen replies “I forgot to brush,” for example, suggest she put a sticky note on her pillow reminding her to brush before she goes to bed.)

She may be getting older, but she still needs your guidance, and making sure they are brushing their teeth in adolescence is a good start. Acting quickly is crucial: catching gingivitis, an early and reversible form of gum disease, can help keep advanced gum disease at bay. The complexities of puberty might not always bring joy, but maintaining good oral habits through those tween and teen years will make a difference in the long run.

So, remind the tween or teen in your life: From girlhood to womanhood good dental habits are not just for kids!