It can be hard enough to raise a teenager, let alone get them to focus on their oral health. If you have a teen that seems to be lacking when it comes to general dental care, this isn't something that you should just let go. Here are four tips to get your teen back on board with their dental health routine.

1. Have Cool Products Available

If your teen has cool products available at every turn, they might be more apt to remember to brush and floss, even on busy days. If your child is busy with school, activities, friends, and sports, be sure to sneak in on-the-go flossers and toothbrushes into their backpack. Get them flavored toothpaste and floss as this might have some novelty that will get your child back on track.

2. Have the Dentist Talk With Them

Sometimes advice coming from a parent can sound like a broken record. If you aren't getting through to your child about the importance of daily dental care routines, make sure that your dentist can spend some time discussing this. Let your dentist know your concerns ahead of upcoming appointments and hope that advice come from a professional might get your child to change their habits.

3. Going the Cosmetic Route

If your teen is discouraged by the general appearance of their smile, they might be less inclined to care for this. Sit down with your teen and discuss if they might be insecure about their smile. You might want to opt for looking into teeth straightening or whitening for your teen. If cosmetic options will get them back on track and wanting to care for their teeth and gums, it might be worth it.

4. Rewarding Your Teen

If your child refuses to go to the dentist or is slacking off on brushing and flossing, it might be time to make a deal with them. If they can comply with a dental health regimen that you are happy with, reward them with something they've wanted, such as a game console or concert tickets. While it might seem like a bribe, getting your teen to brush and floss regularly is worth the effort.

The tricky thing with teens is the fact that they are trying things out on their own and are closer to adulthood than childhood. Your role as a parent is to guide them into making right decisions, one of them being good dental habits. This can lead to a lifetime of good oral hygiene that will keep your child's teeth and gums healthier in the long run. For more information, contact a professional like Timothy D Calkins DDS.