With academic pressure, social challenges, and demanding scheduling, navigating the teen years can be tricky. At Clover Hills Dentistry in Mission, TX, Dr. Alexander Ochoa Falla specializes in treating patients aged 12 to 18 and the unique challenges of this age group.
Establishing excellent oral health habits and hygiene in adolescence is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At your preteen or teen’s next dental health visit, Dr. Ochoa might ask and answer questions about the following subjects:
Adolescence is the ideal time to address alignment concerns since the teeth and jaws are still growing. Instead of putting off orthodontic treatment, benefit from shortened treatment times, a reduced need for tooth extraction, and restored facial symmetry by starting traditional braces or Invisalign® Teen.
While sports are great for the body and social skills, some high-intensity, high-impact sports come with the risk of dental trauma. Protect your teen’s smile with a custom athletic mouthguard to prevent concussions, chipped teeth, and more.
Does your kid eat too much sugar? While foods high in sugar and carbohydrates are highly palatable, avoiding these foods is best to prevent enamel erosion and cavities. Instead, enjoy plenty of water and milk at mealtimes and reach for healthy snacks (like plain yogurt, nuts, and veggies) to support dental health.
Typically, wisdom teeth eruption happens between ages 17 and 21. Dr. Ochoa might suggest removing wisdom teeth if he suspects your teen’s third molars are impacted or will grow abnormally.
Even though we hope the best for our kids, we can’t tip-toe around the fact that early and late adolescence are risk periods for substance and alcohol use. These risky behaviors are associated with dental health issues, including:
Therefore, it’s important to speak candidly with your teens about the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
The end of childhood is marked by graduation… from school and pediatric dentistry services. Even though Dr. Ochoa won’t see your kid after they turn 18, you can rest assured that you’ll get the same high-quality services with his wife, Dr. Jo-Ann Collantes. Plus, if you stay with Clover Hills Dentistry, we conveniently have your health history and preferences on file for a smooth transition into adulthood.
As parents, we want our preteens and teens to be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to take control of their dental health so that they don’t face long-term complications in the future. At Clover Hills Dentistry, we offer a variety of adolescent dental services designed to create a firm foundation for excellent, life-long dental health, including:
At Clover Hills Dentistry, we pride ourselves on having a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our team is committed to providing quality care in a supportive and comfortable environment so your preteen or teen can feel at ease during their visit. Is your older child due for a dental visit? Don’t delay! Call 956-997-9799 or send us a short message online to schedule an adolescent dentistry appointment at Clover Hills Dentistry in Mission, TX.
