Tuned Out but Still Tuning Up: A Parent’s Guide to Teen Dental Care

Tuned Out but Still Tuning Up: A Parent’s Guide to Teen Dental Care

Teens and tweens are in the middle of everything — growing up, pushing back, staying up late, skipping breakfast, and tuning out every reminder you give them. Oral health? That’s usually not even on their radar.

But here’s the truth: this is one of the most critical windows for protecting their long-term dental and overall health. At Carlston Dental Group, we understand that parents are up against a lot — resistance, eye rolls, and the famous “I already brushed” that may or may not be true. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you plant the seeds of good oral habits in a way that respects your teen’s independence, while still protecting their future.

### Why Teen Oral Health Matters More Than They Think

The teenage years come with major physical and hormonal changes. These can directly affect the mouth:
- **Wisdom teeth** often begin to erupt and may cause pain, crowding, or infection.
- **Orthodontic appliances** like retainers or aligners can trap food and cause inflammation.
- **Increased screen time** and social pressure can lead to poor diet choices — energy drinks, candy, late-night snacks.
- **Stress** can trigger jaw clenching or **nighttime grinding** (bruxism), wearing down enamel.
- **Neglected brushing and flossing** can accelerate **gum disease** even before adulthood.

And yet, many teens tune all this out. That’s where your role as a parent — and ours as your dental partners — becomes essential.

### How to Talk to Your Teen About Their Mouth (Without a Lecture)

We know it’s tempting to nag, but here are a few approaches that work better:
- **Link it to what they care about**: fresh breath, a confident smile, avoiding bad breath on a date.
- **Ask questions** instead of giving orders: “Have you noticed any soreness in your mouth lately?”
- **Empower, don’t shame**: “I know it’s annoying, but I want you to feel in control of your health.”
- **Make it easy**: Leave floss picks by the computer, stock water instead of soda.

If they still don’t listen? Bring them in. Sometimes hearing it from a non-parent makes all the difference.

### What We Look for in Teen Dental Appointments

At Carlston Dental Group, we don’t just “clean teeth.” We evaluate:
- **Tooth eruption patterns**, especially molars and wisdom teeth
- **Signs of stress-related grinding**
- **Inflammation around braces, aligners, or retainers**
- **Gum health**, especially early signs of gingivitis
- **Diet habits** affecting enamel and gum strength
- **Questions about whitening or cosmetic care**

We speak directly to teens with honesty and warmth, and we always include parents in the conversation when needed.

### Summer: The Best Time for a Reset

With the school year over, now is the perfect moment to bring your teen in. Without the rush of homework and school sports, we can take time to assess, clean, and plan ahead — whether that means monitoring wisdom teeth or preventing small issues from becoming costly procedures down the line.

We welcome teens, tweens, and their often-frustrated but caring parents with open arms.

Let us help your child see their mouth as part of their whole health — not something separate, or optional, or only worth fixing when it hurts.

### Book a Teen/Tween Visit Today

Dr. Dean Carlston is known for his kind, thoughtful approach — and for helping even the most “tuned out” teens start tuning in.

We treat people, not just teeth. 
https://www.CarlstonDentalGroup.com