ARTICLES TO READ

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Proper brushing requires a certain amount of skill and dexterity, so do not expect your child to be able to properly brush by themselves until approximately five years of age.  Even then, most children require supervision until the age of eight.  Until  your child has demonstrated the ability to adequately brush independently, an adult should assume the responsibility at least twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.

A bad bite, or malocclusion, is when the teeth are crowded, crooked or out of line, or the jaws don't meet properly.  A bad bite may first be noticed between the ages of 6 and 12, when the adult or permanent teeth are starting to come in.  Here are a few problems that can occur with a malocclusion:

1.  It is more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean, and this may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

2.  Crooked, crowded teeth may keep the jaws from developing properly.

3. Some sever malocclusions may even keep a person from eating and speaking normally.

4.  Teeth that are out of line are more likely to get worn down than healthy, straight teeth.

5.  A bad bite or crooked teeth may make children feel less confident about their looks.

American Dental Association

If you are thinking about getting a piercing, here are some health risks you should know about.  Mouth piercing can interfere with speaking, chewing, or swallowing. That may seem like just an inconvenience, until you consider that it may also cause the following:

1.  Infection:  The mouth contains bacteria, therefore oral piercing carries the potential for infection at the site of the piercing.  

2.  Bleeding:  Damage to your tongue's blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

3.  Swelling:  Swelling commonly occurs after oral piecing.  Swelling could be serious enough to block the airway.

4.  Nerve damage:  If a never is injured, you may experience temporary or permanent damage and  numbness.

5.  Damage to teeth and gums:  Some people also develop a habit of biting the barbells, or playing with the balls in their mouths, which can injure the gums and lead to cracked, scratched or sensitive teeth. 

American Dental Association

During the late teen age years, the wisdom teeth (third molars) will probably begin to erupt.  Some teens may experience difficulties when they erupt.  For example, if the wisdom teeth don't break through the gum (called impacted wisdom teeth) or if the amount of room in the mouth is not sufficient for the wisdom teeth, the dentist may recommend that they be removed.  Another issue is the inability to properly clean the partially erupted tooth.  Gum abscesses can form around  these teeth cause by food impaction and this can cause pain to the teen. It is best to see your dentist so that they can evaluate the wisdom teeth and suggest the best treatment plan.