During puberty, a lot changes—not just externally, but also internally. While your voice, skin, and mood are noticeably on a rollercoaster ride, more is happening in your mouth than you might expect at first glance. The hormonal changes have a direct impact on your gums: They become softer, more permeable, and thus more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
In addition, everyday life often changes rapidly during this phase of life. Between school, homework, hobbies, friends, and digital distractions, there's little room for conscious nutrition or a particularly thorough dental care routine. Many adolescents frequently turn to sugary snacks, energy drinks, or fast food – all of which can put additional strain on oral health.
If you also wear braces, this means additional challenges when it comes to cleaning: more corners, more edges, more places where plaque and food debris can get stuck.
All of these factors together make it clear why careful dental care is especially important now. Developing a good routine during puberty lays the foundation for healthy teeth—today, tomorrow, and far beyond.
In this article, you'll learn what you should pay particular attention to when it comes to dental care during puberty, which tips will make everyday life with braces and the like easier - and how you can maintain a radiantly healthy smile in the long term with small changes.
What happens to your teeth during puberty?
Puberty is a time of change—your body is growing, your hormones are shifting, and many things suddenly feel new or unfamiliar. But what's often overlooked is that changes are also taking place in your mouth that can have a lasting impact on your dental health.
This is especially noticeable in the gums . During this phase, they often become softer, more sensitive, and react more quickly to stimuli. Perhaps you've noticed blood in the sink while brushing your teeth? This could be an early warning sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis) .
Your saliva also changes during puberty. Its composition is affected, making it easier for bacteria to adhere to your teeth and gums. The risk of plaque and tooth decay increases—especially if you also frequently consume sugary snacks, soft drinks, or energy drinks.
Many adolescents eat irregularly during this phase, often snacking on snacks and resorting to quick, sweet fixes. It's no wonder – everyday life is busy, and energy needs to return quickly. But this is precisely the challenge: Teeth need protection , especially when they are frequently exposed to sugar, acids, and sticky plaque.
The good news is: You can actively take action to improve your oral health. A particularly thorough yet gentle cleaning is crucial now – and the emmi-dent Platinum Care or the handy emmi-dent Slim are ideal for this. With true ultrasonic technology, you can clean gently, deeply, and without pressure – without further irritating sensitive gums. At the same time, the ultrasound helps effectively loosen plaque on teeth and between teeth, reducing bacteria.
Especially now, when so much is changing, it's good to know: With the right care, you can stay one step ahead of your smile.
3 dental care tips for teenagers: How to make it work despite hormonal chaos
You can implement our following 3 dental care tips for teenagers during puberty immediately.
1. Gentle dental care for sensitive gums – without rubbing
Especially during puberty, your gums can be more sensitive than usual. Hormonal changes make them softer, more permeable, and therefore more susceptible to irritation or even receding gums. If you tend to have sensitive areas in your mouth, it's especially important to choose the right toothbrush.
The basic rule is: Avoid hard bristles. Even better: Use a toothbrush that cleans completely without mechanical pressure – like our emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrushes .
- No rubbing, no mechanical brushing – the gums are protected.
- No risk of injury or gum recession.
- Ideal for braces – even hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned.
- A pleasantly clean feeling in the mouth – completely pain-free.
Particularly recommended: the emmi-dent Platinum CAM – for all those who value thorough but gentle care.
2. Interdental spaces? Don't forget!
Even if you brush thoroughly, some areas remain difficult to reach. The narrow spaces between teeth, in particular, are often overlooked. This is precisely where caries bacteria thrive.
- For beginners: Dental floss with threading aid (e.g. Superfloss)
- For advanced users: Interdental brushes
- For convenient cleaning: emmi-dent oral irrigator
Daily use takes only a minute – and makes a big difference.
3. The right toothpaste: with fluoride – for strong tooth enamel
During puberty, your eating habits also change—many people tend to eat more acidic or sweet foods. These attack tooth enamel.
Fluoride protects: It strengthens tooth enamel, promotes remineralization and makes your teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
Ideal: emmi-dent toothpaste – perfectly matched to our ultrasonic toothbrushes.
- Gentle care without friction
- Effective protection against caries and acid erosion
- Fresh mouthfeel – day after day
If motivation is lacking: Make it easier for yourself
Teenage life is stressful. School, friends, first dates, social media... Who even thinks about brushing their teeth?
Our tips for more motivation:
- Use an app with timers and reminders
- Make it a challenge: Who cleans most thoroughly?
- Get cool products – e.g. from emmi-dent
- Remember: A healthy smile will last a lifetime
Dental care during puberty: With trust, not with pressure
You want the best for your child – of course. Especially when it comes to health and good habits, you want your teenager to take responsibility. But this is precisely where sensitivity is needed. Because during puberty, well-intentioned pressure often meets with resistance. What you mean as help can quickly be perceived as control.
The good news: There's another way. With empathy, openness, and a little patience, you can support your child without putting a strain on the relationship. These strategies are particularly helpful:
- Lead by example, not by dictation: Young people are more influenced than you might think by what they see their parents do. Brushing your teeth regularly and mindfully automatically conveys that dental care is a natural part of everyday life.
- Provide information – understandable and appreciative: No finger-wagging, just real information: Explain why care is particularly important during this phase of life – for example, that hormonal gums are more sensitive or that plaque builds up more quickly when you wear braces.
- Remind – friendly but firm: Instead of nagging: short, loving reminders, for example integrated into the daily routine (“Think about your teeth before you go to school”) often help more than constant follow-up.
- Shopping together = new commitment: A new toothbrush can feel like a small fresh start. Perhaps you could try out our emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrushes together – this not only creates curiosity but also gives your teen the feeling of being taken seriously.
- Connection instead of control: Dental care can also be a moment of closeness: discussing routines together, selecting products, and sharing experiences. Especially with sensitive topics like personal hygiene, an open, approachable attitude helps enormously.
Even as your child grows up, they remain receptive to genuine affection. Many things are easier together – including dental care.
