EATING DISORDERS
Teenagers are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia. The reason teeth are at risk is due to vomiting. When a person vomits they bring up stomach acids, which can severely damage the teeth by eroding away the tooth enamel. A visit to the dentist is important to help minimize the effect of the stomach acids on teeth. A dentist can’t treat the actual disorder, but may recommend the use of fluoride rinses and special toothpastes to help lessen the damage to the teeth.
- Don’t brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. While the teeth are covered in stomach acids, the vigorous action of the toothbrush may scratch the tooth enamel.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain tap water.
- Follow up with a fluoridated mouthwash.
- If you don’t have a fluoridated mouthwash, put a dab of fluoride toothpaste on your finger and smear it over your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Brush your teeth at least an hour after vomiting.
TEENAGERS AND PIERCINGS TONGUE & LIP PIERCING
While tongue piercings have become one of the most popular options to express ones individuality, they are often wrought with difficulties. Despite the seemingly simple nature of a tongue piercing, there are high risks of infection with any piercing procedures. Therefore, it goes without saying that you should ensure that instruments used have been properly sterilized beforehand to avoid the risk of Hepatitis B and C, tetanus or HIV
- THE BIGGEST TIP WE CAN GIVE YOU IS
-DON’T DO IT!-
But, if you do, please consider……..
THE HEALING PROCESS
Whilst getting the piercing may only take a few minutes, your piercing will take at least 4 WEEKS TO HEAL, assuming of course, there is no infection. If there is, it will be painful for a great deal longer.
During the healing period DO NOT SMOKE & DO NOT USE A MOUTH WASH. The tar and toxins in cigarette smoke are detrimental for the healing of your piercing and Listerine or similar mouth washes can actually burn your tongue flesh.
BEFORE MAKING A DECISION TALK TO YOUR DENTIST
Especially if you have an oral history of inflamed gums or bad teeth, please tell your dentist about your intentions.
BAD BREATH
When they wake up , its common for children to have ‘BAD BREATH’ (also called Halitosis) This usually goes away after your child has something to eat and drink and cleans their teeth. This sort of bad breath isn’t anything to worry about.
Causes of bad breath in children and teenagers can include:
- Mouth or Throat infections
- Blocked nose
- Sinusitis
Other causes of bad breath in teenager might also include:
- Extreme diets (for example, a high-protein diet), illnesses like Anorexia nervosa or Bulimia
- Poor dental hygiene (particularly if your teenager wears braces or other orthodontic devices)
- Gum disease (gingivitis)
- Tooth decay or abscesses.
On Occasion, medical problems might make a child’s breath smell bad or unusual. You should take your child to the GP or Dentist if you’re worried, or if your child’s bad breath doesn’t go away after trying the treatment strategies below.
TREATMENT FOR BAD BREATH
- Good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath.
- Your child should brush their teeth and tongue twice a day, as well as floss every day. They could also try using an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Make sure your child drinks plenty of water and cuts down on sugary and caffeinated drinks such as coke and coffee.
- Do not use sugary mints or sugary gum to freshen your breath as these can cause decay if used frequently.
- If an infection is causing your child’s bad breath, they may need antibiotics. Speak to your GP if you think this could be the problem.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS BAD BREATH, THE 1ST STEP IS TO WORK OUT WHAT'S CAUSING IT
Treating the cause will usually sort it out. Bad breath, or halitosis, USUALLY isn’t anything to worry about.
