The teenage years come with a lot of changes—new schedules, new habits, and yes, changes in your teeth too. While most baby teeth are long gone, this stage of life brings its own shifts in dental development. Understanding what’s normal can help teens (and parents) stay ahead of potential problems.
Here’s what to expect as teenage teeth continue to grow, move, and mature.
Wisdom Teeth Start to Emerge
For many teens, wisdom teeth begin to appear in the late teen years. These third molars usually erupt between ages 17 and 25, but they can start causing issues even earlier. They may come in crooked, push against nearby teeth, or get stuck beneath the gumline. Regular dental X-rays help monitor their position and determine if they need to be removed.
Teeth May Shift—Even After Braces
Even if your teen had braces in the past, teeth can shift without retainers. As the jaw continues to grow, pressure from wisdom teeth, nighttime grinding, or simply natural changes can affect alignment. That’s why wearing a retainer as directed is so important—it helps maintain the results from earlier orthodontic treatment.
New Habits Can Affect Tooth Health
Teenagers are busier than ever. Late nights, sports practices, and fast meals can make it harder to keep up with brushing and flossing. This can increase the risk of cavities, especially around the gumline and between teeth.
Drinks like energy drinks, sports drinks, and sodas are also common during this stage—but they’re tough on enamel. These drinks are often acidic and full of sugar, which can weaken teeth and lead to decay. Sipping them throughout the day makes the damage worse.
Orthodontic appliances like braces or aligners can make cleaning trickier, too. So regular checkups, cleanings, electric toothbrushes, and reminders about smart choices go a long way.
Teen Dental Care in Germantown, MD at River Stone Dental Center
At River Stone Dental Center in Germantown, Dr. Peajmun Razmjou helps teenagers and their families navigate the dental changes that come with growing up. From tracking wisdom teeth to helping prevent enamel damage from energy drinks, we’re here to guide teens and their families through these important years. Whether your teen needs a routine exam, a retainer check, or has questions about their changing smile, we’re ready to help them stay confident and cavity-free.
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