Good Grooming Rites of Passage in Children and Teens

Healthy Grooming Answers for Children & Teens Parents Need to Know

At what age should children first go to the dentist?

Abu, Eric. (2018).  When should I take my child to the dentist?  WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/when-should-i-take-my-child-to-the-dentist

·         Since life-long cardiovascular health often starts with healthy teeth and gums, pediatricians and dentists have started to recommend that a child have his or her first dental visit before age one to instruct parents on the proper care of the child’s teeth  (From age one to age six, a parent needs to brush and floss the child’s teeth properly rather than the child brushing them him or herself*) as well as getting him or her use to going to the dentist. 

·         At age two, the standard routine of seeing the dentist twice a year sets in while dentists routinely take a child’s first set of x-rays between age four and six.

·         Dentists often apply a sealant to protect the child’s teeth from cavities between six and twelve.

·         Usually a child still doesn’t get braces until reaching his or her early teens, but he or she might need to undergo an orthodontic evaluation at age seven.

See also:

*Benaroch, Roy. (2016, September 3).  Brushing and flossing children’s teeth.  WebMD.  https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/brushing-flossing-child-teeth#1

When should teenage boys start shaving?

Cummings, Clayton. (2011, June 2).  When should my son start shaving?  ChildrensMD.  https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-age-group/teens/when-should-my-son-start-shaving/

Since puberty occurs at different ages for each young man (at any time between 8 and 15), a boy can start shaving when “peach fuzz” first appears on his face. Cummings also offers young shavers some helpful tips:

·         Begin shaving in the shower since warm warn softens facial hair and opens pores;

·         Shave in the direction of the hair growth (from top to bottom);

·         Don’t go over one spot on the face too many times.

When should teenage girls start plucking their eye brows?

What’s the right age to start plucking your eyebrows? (2018).  Groupon. https://www.groupon.com/articles/whats-the-right-age-to-start-plucking-your-eyebrows

Groupon talks to a junior high English teacher/mom, a high school guidance counselor/mom, an aesthetician, and a high school teacher, and each offers her point-of-view.  However, since Groupon warns about over tweezing, teenage girls should probably have a hair dresser or manicurist occasionally wax or pluck their brows if they are too bushy several times a year.  That might also be a good time to wax a noticeable moustache and embarrassing facial hair.

When should teens with acne see a dermatologist?

Teen acne.  When should you see a doctor?   (2018). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/teen-acne-when-see-doctor

·         Acne is embarrassing severe;

·         Over-the-counter medications like (10 percent) benzoyl peroxide don’t work;

·         Acne appears after taking medications;

·         Acne leaves scarring;

·         Acne affects self-esteem.

Price, Cynthia. (n. d.).  Best methods for acne treatment in teenagers.  Dermascope. http://www.dermascope.com/acne/best-methods-for-acne-treatment-in-teenagers#.Wn2Z0kxFz4g

Acne is a hereditary disease wherein shifts in hormone balance during puberty result in pimples and blackheads in 85 percent of all teens, although boys who don’t shower after exercising and girls who clog up their pores trying to cover up it up exacerbate the condition.

To combat or prevent acne, teens should adopt a daily regime of gentle cleaning and hydration using a SPF spectrum 30 moisturizer.  Girls should also remove make up nightly. The use of aggressive astringents and too much sun exposure may worsen acne.

When should teenage girls start shaving under arms and legs?

Benaroch, Ray. (2016, October 7).  Shaving for teenage girls. WebMD. https://teens.webmd.com/girls/shaving-tips-girls#1

·         Benaroch recommends no set time in American culture for this rite of passage to occur, but he suggests that the appropriate time to start shaving under arms and legs depends upon she the hair starts to show (as anyone teased about this in gym class can testify). He also offers advice on how to shave without cuts and how often to shave. He even briefly brings up the idea of electrolysis for parents who want to spend the time and money.