Cavity Rates in Teens
Tooth decay continues to be the most widespread chronic disease of 12- to 19-year-olds, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. But the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports some good news: Tooth decay among adolescents is less prevalent than it once was. Cavities or tooth decay develop when bacteria from food produce acids that break down and destroy tooth enamel. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay in teens.
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Tooth Decay Survey
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Fewer U.S. teens are spending time in the dentist chair getting cavities filled than in the early 1970s, according to the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The survey took place from 1999 to 2004. More than 50 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 15 and 67 percent of teens aged 16 to 19 had tooth decay in permanent teeth, the survey noted. Girls were more likely than boys -- approximately 63 percent vs. 56 percent -- to have cavities.
Additional Stats
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The majority of teens -- 81.4 percent -- visited a dentist in 2011, according to the CDC. In teens tested from 2007 to 2010, more than 15 percent were found to have untreated cavities. Left untreated, tooth decay can cause a tooth abscess. An abscess is a mass of infected pus that stems from a bacterial infection in the middle of a tooth. Untreated cavities eventually wipe out the pulp or inside of the tooth, which results in tooth loss, explains MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health.
Teeth Straightening
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Straightening crooked or poorly aligned teeth may help lower the risk of tooth decay in teens, explain the experts at MouthHealthy.org, a website published by the American Dental Association. For example, when teeth are twisted or bent it can be hard to keep them clean. Being unable to reach the nooks and crannies with a toothbrush makes them more susceptible to cavities or gum disease like gingivitis. Ask your dentist to see if your teen is a candidate for braces.
Oral Hygiene
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Protecting teeth against cavities is relatively simple but not always easy to stick with. Proper oral hygiene boils down to brushing twice a day, flossing once daily and staying away from sugary treats and beverages. Encourage your teen to snack on healthier fare like fruit, raw veggies, yogurt or low-fat cheese. Gum chewers should opt for the sugarless kind. Visiting the dentist regularly can also help hold off tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend applying dental sealants -- a special plastic coating -- that provide extra protection against tooth decay in cavity-prone areas like the back teeth.
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Teen depression can go undetected since many of the symptoms can be subtle, or confused with typical growing up (see Resources). For a teen suffering with depression there are ways to cope. The smallest activity is a step in the right direction.