According to a recent study carried out by the BBC, Northern Ireland teenagers have some of the highest levels of tooth decay in Europe.
Poor diet, social deprivation, and a non-fluoridated water supply all contribute to this problem. As well as highlighting the standard of oral hygiene, the report also found that teenagers in poorer areas were more likely to have extractions.
The main way to prevent tooth decay is to apply fissure sealants to the adult molar teeth of children as they erupt to protect them. Improving the diet is another key factor, as by cutting down on sugary foods included in the teenager’s diet, less decay will occur.
Having orthodontic treatment carried out as a teenager can align the teeth into a position that will allow more efficient tooth brushing and interdental cleaning, therefore avoiding food stagnating in areas that can be difficult to get at with a toothbrush when tooth crowding is an issue.
Visiting your dentist for six monthly examinations and regular X-rays is one of the most preventive measures that can be taken to detect problem areas before they are allowed to continue and develop into decay. Oral hygiene instruction is also provided by the dentist or dental hygienist, giving the teenager the confidence to perform optimal toothbrushing.
If you have any concerns about your or your children’s teeth, why not contact one of the Creative Smiles team members to arrange an appointment? You can do this by calling 02890 618545 or emailing [email protected].