As an adolescent, you are at a stage in your life where dental problems can be very common due to hormonal changes, changes in your diet, and a lack of proper dental hygiene.

However, with the right knowledge and care, these problems can be easily prevented and treated. Here are some of the most common dental problems adolescents face, and their causes and solutions:.

Tooth Decay

Causes: Tooth decay is most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene and a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. Bacteria in your mouth feeds on these foods, producing acids that erode the enamel on your teeth over time.

Solutions: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit your intake of sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks.

If you have a cavity, your dentist can remove the decay and fill the tooth with a material such as composite resin or amalgam.

Gum Disease

Causes: Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth that irritates and inflames your gums. This can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath and even tooth loss in severe cases.

Solutions: Brush and floss regularly, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent and treat gum disease.

In severe cases, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing or even surgery to remove infected tissue and promote healing.

Misaligned Teeth

Causes: Misaligned teeth can be caused by genetics, poor dental habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, or injury to your mouth or jaw.

Solutions: Orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners can correct misaligned teeth and improve your bite and overall dental health. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Causes: Wisdom teeth, which typically grow in during your late teens or early twenties, can become impacted or stuck in your jaw due to a lack of space in your mouth. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection if left untreated.

Solutions: Your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth to prevent further problems. This can be done in-office under local anesthesia or in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

Tooth Sensitivity

Causes: Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including grinding your teeth, brushing too hard, gum recession, and tooth decay.

Solutions: Your dentist can recommend a desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatment, or a protective dental sealant to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

If the problem is caused by tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist can treat the underlying issue to provide long-term relief.

Oral Cancer

Causes: Oral cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Solutions: Your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening during your regular dental checkup to detect any signs of cancer early.

Preventative measures such as avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption can also reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

Jaw Disorders

Causes: Jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can be caused by injury to your jaw, stress, or arthritis.

Solutions: Your dentist can recommend treatments such as jaw stretches, a bite guard, or physical therapy to help alleviate jaw pain and improve your jaw function. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Mouth Sores

Causes: Mouth sores such as canker sores are common in adolescents and can be caused by injury to your mouth, stress, or a weakened immune system.

Solutions: Most mouth sores will heal on their own within a few days to a week. Over-the-counter treatments such as oral numbing gels and pain relievers can provide relief.

If you have frequent mouth sores, speak to your dentist about possible underlying causes and treatment options.

Bad Breath

Causes: Bad breath can be caused by poor dental hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods and drinks.

Solutions: Brush and floss regularly, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and avoid foods and drinks that can cause bad breath such as onions and coffee. If the problem persists, your dentist can recommend treatments to address underlying causes.