Addressing Teen Dentistry in San Diego

When your child is growing up the major issue with their dental health is “when are they going to lose their baby teeth?” Then, as they become adolescents and enter those formative teenage years, they become exposed to any number of dental issues, most of which can be prevented with good hygiene practices taught at home and through regular examinations by Dr. Ray Carpenter at Bernardo Center Dentistry.

Dr. Carpenter is a prosthodontist, which means he has specialized training and experience in dealing with issues of teen dentistry in San Diego including damaged, crooked, or missing teeth. He is highly respected for his ability to communicate with patients of all ages, including teens who are often apprehensive about listening to someone speak to them about health issues of any kind. Once he meets and consults with them, teenagers soon form a bond and see him as a trusted adult who can correct their dental problems and help them look and feel their best.

What is the most frequent cause of tooth decay in teenagers?

To no one’s surprise, sodas and energy drinks are the leading cause of cavities in teenagers. Extreme levels of sugary carbonation, as in up to 18 teaspoons of sugar, can be found in 20 ounces of liquid that is highly acidic in nature. To say that habitual use of these drinks is toxic to teeth is an understatement.

Can there be such a thing as cavities between teeth?

Absolutely. With his expertise in teen dentistry in San Diego, Dr. Carpenter sees adolescents who, because of their daily diet of fast food and the above-mentioned sugary drinks, develop decay between teeth. Such cavities, if left untreated, can lead to the need for root canal work or even loss of a tooth.

What can Dr. Carpenter do to treat crooked or missing teeth?

Braces are the most common option. But, even after wearing braces for an extended period, and then having them removed, teens may still need to undergo a cosmetic procedure meant to tweak their appearance or adjust their bite. In some cases, Dr. Ray may recommend a temporary or bonded bridge to fill in any remaining gaps between teeth and make a huge difference in a teen’s smile.  The ultimate goal is to inform teens about proper care to prevent the need for further prosthodontic procedures such as crowns or implants.

When could wisdom teeth become an issue for a teenager?

By using X-rays and digital imaging, Dr. Carpenter can keep an eye on the progress of a teen’s wisdom teeth. If he detects that they may not have enough room to correctly erupt into the mouth, this can mean the wisdom teeth will be impacted and cause pain and other oral health issues. Should that be the case, Dr. Carpenter will refer the patient to an oral surgeon for further consultation.

Dr. Carpenter knows how important appearance and self-esteem are to a teenager. His goal is to make his adolescent patients look and feel their best through professional treatment and proper knowledge for daily, at-home dental care. To schedule an initial consultation and examination with Dr. Raymond Carpenter for your teenager, simply reach out online or call Bernardo Center Dentistry at 858-487-2301.