General and Restorative Dentistry for Teens
When your child was younger, you probably helped him or her to brush and floss. You monitored dental hygiene and kept close tabs on sugar intake. Once patients reach their teenaged years, they can handle their at-home oral hygiene care, but they still require some dental guidance. Dr. Jean Barthman understands the unique needs of teenage patients, and she offers numerous customized treatments. Though preventative care is her main area of focus, she can also provide quality restorative dentistry to address existing damage. Additionally, she offers cosmetic treatment, and she will guide you and your teen in maintaining proper oral care. In every case, she will pay close attention to the special dental concerns that affect teens. To learn more about dental care for teens, contact our Redwood City practice today.
Orthodontic Treatment and Your Teen’s Smile
Though adults can certainly benefit from orthodontia, most patients wear braces in their teenage years. Unfortunately, bits of food and bacteria can become trapped under braces, increasing your teen’s risk for decay and discoloration. In a cavity develops, we can place a tooth-colored filling. If stains develop, we can perform BriteSmile® teeth whitening. This treatment takes place in a single office visit, and it can dramatically lighten stains.
Additionally, Dr. Barthman proudly offers Invisalign®, which uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. With recent advances, Invisalign® is now suitable for patients with more widespread misalignment, including overbites or underbites. Dr. Barthman can evaluate your teen’s needs to determine if Invisalign® is a good choice.
Dental Care on the Field or Court
Sports mouth guards are an important consideration for any budding athlete. We can provide custom-made mouth guards to prevent broken teeth, knocked out teeth, lip injuries, and more. If your child plays a high-contact sport or wears braces, this appliance is especially crucial. While any mouthguard is better than no protection at all, a dentist-provided device affords optimal safety and comfort.
Diet and Lifestyle
Your teen is exploring his or her personal freedom for the first time. As a result, he or she may be making some unwise dietary choices. Sodas, candy, and other sugary foods are all popular among high school students. Be sure to warn your teen about the dental dangers of excess sugar, and schedule biannual check-ups.
Unfortunately, many people try cigarettes for the first time when they are teenagers. We encourage you to educate your child about the dangers of smoking and to lay down strict, no-smoking rules in your household.
Stress and the Teenage Years
High school is a very stressful time. Academics, social pressures, and the demands of college applications can take their toll. Your teen may not seem overly anxious, but hidden stress could be affecting his or her oral health. Like many teenagers (and adults), teens may grind their teeth, particularly at night. Over time, this could lead to dental erosion and chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). If Dr. Barthman notices the symptoms of TMD, she will provide comprehensive care. At our practice, we combine traditional mouthguards with state-of-the-art neuromuscular dentistry.
Treatment for Existing Damage
If your teen already has compromised teeth, Dr. Barthman and her team can provide appropriate restorative care. We know that teenagers may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Dr. Barthman provides fillings and crowns made from tooth-colored materials, which will blend naturally with the teeth. Once restorative treatment is finished, we can provide oral care tips to prevent similar damage in the future.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Teen
If you are concerned about your teen’s dental health, or if you simply want to protect his or her teeth, we are ready to meet your needs. Contact Dr. Barthman’s office to schedule an exam.