Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Dental Health in PKU for Teens

Introduction

A healthy smile is so important! It can help to boost your confidence, keep your breath fresh and make you feel good about yourself. Brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist are essential to having a healthy smile. Plaque is a thin, sticky substance that forms on your teeth. Eating and drinking not only feeds you, but also the bacteria in plaque. This bacterium can’t harm you but can harm your teeth and cause holes and tooth decay. Therefore, it is important to remove plaque and bits of food by brushing regularly. Here are some helpful hints and tips to care for your teeth:

Read more
Read less
Brushing
Read more
  • Brush teeth regularly, at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste*.   

  • Teeth should be brushed for around 2 minutes. There are digital apps you can download for your device that play your favourite music for 2 minutes to help make sure you brush for the right amount of time. 

  • Teeth should be brushed last thing before bed and on at least one other occasion. 

  • Spit out after brushing and don’t rinse. If you rinse, the fluoride won’t work as well. 

 

*Use fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm of fluoride (check label). 

Read less
72053_vitafriendspku_teen_illustration_mobile_265px-x107px.jpg
A Healthy Diet
Read more

What you eat and drink can have an impact on your teeth. It is important to eat a variety of foods to ensure teeth and gums are healthy. You should always wait 30 minutes following food or drink, including protein substitutes to brush teeth, however if this is not possible, you can rinse your mouth with water. If your protein substitute is consumed as part of a balanced diet and at regular mealtimes, you will not need to take any extra measures to protect your teeth.  

Read less
Snacking
Read more

The best snacks for good dental health are raw vegetables and fruits. Some examples include cucumber, tangerines, banana and carrot sticks. Other snack ideas include low protein toast and low protein crackers. There are many exchange free options available, have a look at the National Society of Phenylketonuria (NSPKU) dietary information booklet for some ideas. 

 

For sugary foods like sweets or drinks, try not to have large amounts or have them very often and particularly not before bed! When you do have them, try to stick to mealtimes. Remember aspartame is a sweetener that is often used in ‘diet’ or sugar free food and drink options, always look out for this on the label as it contains phe. Still water is always the best drink for your teeth. 

Read less
A Healthy Lifestyle
Read more

Make sure you visit the dentist for regular check-ups. If you are concerned about cost, NHS dental treatment is free for under-18’s, so make the most of what is available to you! Eating well and limiting your sugar intake will help to look after your teeth.  

 

Don’t forget about your teeth when you are playing sports! A mouthguard will help protect you against broken and damaged teeth. Speak to your dentist for more information. 

Read less
72053_vitafriendspku_teen_illustration_desktop_289x1190_v2.jpg

Learn more about PKU

< Return to Teens Page