Good dental health is important during all stages of a person’s life. Learning how to care for your mouth begins before a baby’s teeth have broken through the gums, and it continues into your senior years, even if you find yourself with less teeth than you began life with. Right from the start, parents can set the stage for great dental health.
Babies and Children
Oral care should begin within the first few days of a baby’s life. Parents should clean the babies gums with a piece of disposable gauze in an effort to remove food that was not swallowed. As soon as teeth appear, you can begin the brushing process. Use a soft brush and work gently, especially if your child is experiencing the pain of teething.
To prevent tooth decay, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle — the liquid will sit on the teeth and damage the teeth and gums. Always use a clean pacifier, never dipping it in honey or other sweet syrups to get the baby to take it. It is best to avoid sugary foods altogether, and offer your baby a balanced diet that includes vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy. Fruit is a great alternative to other sweet, sugary foods. Limit your child’s between meal snacks, making every effort to avoid serving sweets and candies. It is also important to encourage your child to drink water instead of sugary sodas or unnatural fruit juices.
Supervise your child’s brushing and flossing efforts and make sure he is doing it at least twice a day and for two minutes. Kids may tend to overuse toothpaste, so make sure only a small amount is on his brush during cleaning. Brushes should be child-sized to make them easier to manipulate and softer on the gums. Brushes for children and adults should be replaced about four times per year. You may also want to ask the dentist for a brushing and flossing lesson to make sure you yourself do not need any pointers, and to give your child a chance to see an expert demonstrate the proper method.
Teens
The teenage years often present the temptation to engage in unhealthy behaviors which may specifically impact good oral health. Drinking a lot of soda and eating sweets will create problems like cavities, discoloration, and tooth decay. Be sure your child understands the consequences of an unbalanced diet. He may feel that if he’s not overweight that he can munch on or drink whatever he chooses. But, he should know problems besides obesity are associated with a poor diet.
Also speak with them about smoking and using smokeless tobacco. While they may be willing to take risks with their overall health at this stage in their life, they may be more sensitive to their appearance. So explain the affects these items will have on their smile and breath.
This is also the likely stage when a person will need braces. This can be an expensive investment for families but means a healthy mouth in the future. Crowded and crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic problem. Bacteria can build up between teeth if they are difficult or impossible to floss. Braces will space teeth properly in the mouth and ensure as thorough a cleaning is possible. Being comfortable with your smile gives you overall self-confidence, leading to greater success in life.
Adults and Seniors
Even adults who practiced good dental hygiene growing up may find room for improvement later in life. Exposure to foods and beverages may have discolored teeth, and whitening and bleaching procedures can restore them to their natural color. Seniors may find their teeth have become brittle over the years, or they may suffer from darkened teeth, or tooth loss. Seniors should speak with their dentist about replacement options that will keep their mouths healthy and their smiles bright well into their golden years.
Poor dental health also has a connection to overall well-being. Pay close attention to the condition of your mouth, and speak with your dentist about your oral health. Dr. Bakhtyari of Premier Dental Care in Northern Virginia makes overall health a priority for patients. The clinic “…makes sure to take a thorough medical history of patients so that we are aware their condition as a whole and we can better treat their oral health problems.”
No matter your age, good oral hygiene is important. It is never too late to take better care of your teeth. So if you have neglected your choppers, grab a brush and get to work.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
