Dental care is an often overlooked but significant part of our lives. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help prevent many serious health problems in the future, so it’s best to start early. If you have kids, you should teach them how to brush their teeth properly from a young age. In addition, parents need to show by example that dental hygiene is not only about having clean teeth; it’s also about eating well and taking care of one’s mouth. Below are some of the most effective dental care tips for every stage in life.
Babies and Toddlers
Once your bundle of joy starts teething (which usually starts between the third and the ninth month), it’s essential to begin taking care of their teeth.
You could start by cleaning their teeth with a soft cloth or water or use a baby toothbrush, but make sure only to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Don’t let your child eat or drink anything except water for an hour after brushing their teeth.
The best way to go about introducing your child to early dental care is by taking your child to the dentist within six months after their first tooth appears.
Preteens and Teens
Once your child hits the preteen and teen years, it’s time to start thinking about more than just brushing.
Cavities are a severe issue for those who don’t practice good dental hygiene. They can lead to tooth and gum infections or even worse problems such as damage to an individual’s kidneys, which will require hospitalization.
As a parent, this is the ideal age to show your child the best dental care practices to emulate, as this will help them recognize the importance of good dental hygiene for their adult lives.
It is also at this stage in life that children battle with self-esteem, so it’s best to teach them great smiling techniques and how to maintain white-shiny teeth. If they have teeth arrangement problems, you can schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to get their opinion on the best treatment.
Pregnant Women
Maintaining high oral hygiene is crucial during pregnancy as the changes in your body can cause you to have more cavities and gum disease. This is because hormonal imbalances and reduced saliva production that comes with pregnancy increase the risk of tooth decay.
Additionally, the increased tartar buildup on teeth surfaces may lead to gingivitis or inflamed gums as well as bad breath. An infection in your gums during pregnancy can also increase the chances of having a premature birth or giving birth to an underweight child.
It is crucial that you maintain frequent visits to top dentists like Dentex Dental, especially if you experience regular morning sicknesses or have a sweet tooth.
Adults (40 to 60 Years)
Adults around 40 to 60 years are at high risk of developing new dental problems like tooth infections, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Dentists also suggest that adults in this age group should get a periodontal examination every six months to detect any problems with gums or root surfaces.
The risks of developing various dental issues increase significantly among overweight people and smoke and drink lots of coffee. People in this age group should maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow a proper dental care routine.
Senior Adults (Above 60 Years)
Seniors suffer a myriad of health problems, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and many others that come with old age. These diseases trigger severe gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss.
At this stage in life, one should take extra dental care and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid facing severe dental problems.
As years go by, seniors’ oral health becomes even more critical because they might not take care of their oral hygiene as effectively as before. Because elderly individuals often deal with arthritis, the weakening muscles and bones make it difficult to brush correctly or floss between teeth.
In addition, many prescription medications can dry out the mouth and lead to tooth decay. It’s crucial that seniors are well-informed about the best ways to take care of their teeth and gums at every stage in life. Here are some general dental care tips for seniors:
- See a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Use a mouthwash regularly
Dental care is an ongoing process that requires diligence and dedication throughout life. Whether you’re a young adult or well into retirement, it’s important to observe every dental care tip within your age group so you can protect your smile for a lifetime. Remember to care for your baby and toddler’s teeth as soon as they appear to give them the best chance for a healthy smile down the road.
