Treatment and prevention of common oral problems in adolescents

Oral health, as an important part of overall health, is particularly important for the growth and development of adolescents. During adolescence, the oral cavity is in a critical period of development, and it is also a period when oral problems are most prevalent. Common oral problems such as caries, gingivitis, and malocclusion not only affect the oral health of adolescents, but may also have a negative impact on their overall health, mental health, and quality of life. Therefore, understanding and mastering the treatment and prevention methods of common oral problems in adolescents is of great significance to promoting the healthy growth of adolescents.

1. Common oral problems among adolescents

1. Dental caries

Although caries is not commonly known as tooth decay, it is not caused by small insects. In fact, caries is caused by bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Especially in the stage when teenagers are replacing their teeth and growing new teeth, because the pits and fissures of the new teeth are deeply developed and poorly calcified, they cannot resist the erosion of acid, thus suffering from caries. The gradual deepening of caries will further affect the pulp, causing pulpitis and apical periodontitis in adolescents, and at the same time present problems such as swelling and pain at the root of the teeth, loose teeth, bite pain, periodontal pus, etc. In severe cases, the face of the adolescent suffering from caries will be swollen, the body will have a fever, and the mouth will be restricted. Permanent teeth will be lost early due to caries, resulting in a large number of missing teeth in the mouth of adolescents, which will affect their chewing of food to a certain extent, and put a certain burden on their gastrointestinal digestion, further causing gastrointestinal diseases in adolescents and affecting their overall health.

2. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease specifically refers to an inflammatory disease of the teeth and surrounding tissues, which mainly causes certain damage to the gums, periodontal membrane and alveolar bone of adolescent teeth. The specific manifestations of gingivitis are red and swollen gums, brittle gums that are bright red or dark red, accompanied by bleeding and bad breath; the specific manifestations of periodontitis are bleeding gaps between teeth, gum recession, and damage to the alveolar bone. The development process of periodontal disease is that gingivitis or red, swollen and bleeding gums appear in the early stages, periodontal pockets appear in the middle stage of periodontal disease, accompanied by suppuration and bad breath, the alveolar bone will be significantly absorbed in the middle and late stages of periodontal disease and cause the diseased teeth to loosen, and the alveolar bone is lost in the late stage of periodontal disease and causes the diseased teeth to fall out.

3. Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to uneven teeth and abnormal bite relationships, which not only affect the appearance, but also the oral function and mental health of adolescents. Treatment methods include orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. Orthodontic treatment applies appropriate force to the teeth by wearing braces (such as fixed braces, invisible braces, etc.) to move them to the correct position and improve the bite relationship. For severe skeletal malocclusion, orthognathic surgery should be combined for treatment.

2. Prevention and treatment of oral problems in adolescents

1. Prevention and treatment of dental caries

Pit and fissure sealing: For adolescent molars, especially the sixth molars, which are prone to caries, pit and fissure sealing can be used to prevent them. Pit and fissure sealing is to apply a layer of resin material to the pits and fissures of the teeth to seal the pits and fissures and prevent bacteria from invading, thereby preventing the occurrence of caries.

Regular oral examinations: Regular oral examinations to promptly detect and treat oral problems such as caries are important measures to prevent caries.

Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste can enhance the teeth's resistance to tooth decay and prevent the occurrence of tooth decay.

2. Prevention and treatment of periodontal disease

Maintain good oral hygiene habits: Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth in the morning and evening and rinsing your mouth after meals can help prevent the occurrence of gingivitis.

Regular teeth cleaning: Regular teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar is the key to preventing gingivitis.

Improve your eating habits: Avoid excessive intake of high-sugar foods and drinks and maintain a balanced diet to help prevent the occurrence of gingivitis.

3. Prevention and treatment of malocclusion

Early prevention: Early prevention is the key to adolescent malocclusion. Parents should take their children for regular oral examinations to detect and deal with problems such as uneven teeth in a timely manner.

Orthodontic treatment: For malocclusion that has already occurred, appropriate orthodontic treatment methods should be selected for correction based on the specific circumstances.

Improve bad habits: Avoiding bad habits such as sucking fingers and breathing with open mouth can help prevent the occurrence of malocclusion.

Prevention and treatment of oral ulcers

Enhance immunity: Maintaining good living habits, such as adequate sleep and moderate exercise, can enhance immunity and prevent the occurrence of oral ulcers.

Improve eating habits: Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding irritating foods, such as spicy, sour, and sweet, can help prevent the occurrence of oral ulcers.

Pay attention to oral hygiene: Maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding damage to the oral mucosa can help prevent the occurrence of oral ulcers.

The oral cavity is an important and inseparable part of the human body. Its health and cleanliness will directly affect the healthy growth of adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to guide adolescents to master scientific oral health knowledge and oral disease prevention measures, encourage adolescents to consciously develop good oral health habits, reduce the troubles and pain caused by oral diseases, and thus have a healthy and clean oral environment.

Author: Li Qiuzhong, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College