Much like the rest of your body, your teeth go through the different stages of life and need to be taken good care of. Whether they are growing and changing or the new lifestyles that come with each age affect your teeth, you should always be aware of conditions that influence their health. Knowledge about tooth development will help you remain a step ahead of any potential problems so that you can keep your teeth strong for as long as possible. For a beautiful smile at every age and stage, read our dental tips below!
Infants and Children Tooth Care
Perhaps the most important stage for teeth, both in growth and in laying the foundation for good oral health the rest of the child’s life. You don’t even need to wait until your baby actually has teeth! Great oral hygiene can and should start early with good nutrition and in developing routines at the outset. Look below for additional suggestions:
- Before they can even pick up a toothbrush, help them brush with a soft bristle brush and show them the proper technique
- Schedule a time each morning/night and stick to it
- Get them to stop sucking their thumb quickly, because it can lead to dental issues if not addressed early
- Keep a close eye on their sugar tooth. Cut back on sugary juices, candy, etc.
- Make sure they are getting enough fluoride which can be found in some community water supplies, mouth rinses, and toothpastes. This helps protect against tooth decay
Teen and Young Adults Dental Hygiene
Saying the word “teen” immediately stirs up visions of awkward school photos with a mouthful of braces. Whether or not you’re a teen that needs braces, there is no denying that your mouth is still developing and adjusting, and this period extends all the way into young adulthood when your molars push their way through. This is why you need to nurture them in this stage. Here are some tips:
- Teens are characteristically stressed which could lead to teeth grinding. Look out for the symptoms and see a dentist who will recommend treatments
- Skip the soda
- Wear mouthguards when playing school sports
- Before getting an oral piercing, be aware that they can cause damage
- Make time for good nutrition
Oral Health in Adults
Hopefully, all of the above tips have been instilled in you since you were a child, because now that you’re an adult, not much has changed. You teeth have fully developed and need the same amount of care to prevent any future problems that come with age. Take a look at dental tips for this stage below!
- Continue to brush twice a day and, just as important…floss daily!
- Visit your dentist every 6 months
- Take caution when using teeth whitening products and be aware of its side effects and how to treat them
- Watch out for dry mouth with age and buy products that help prevent it
Older Adult Dental Care
Not very long ago, many people viewed their teeth falling out as a fact of life and dentures were inevitable. Not anymore! With new technology and better knowledge, you can keep the health of your teeth going for longer. However, troubles will arise, which is why we have tips for just that:
- As you age, gum disease becomes a looming danger. Increase the amount of fluoride in your toothpaste to keep up their strength
- Root decay, which often accompanies gum disease, happens when you gums recede so be aware of the symptoms and seek the attention of a dentist
- Switch to antibacterial mouthwash to help stop the buildup of plaque
No matter your age, the health of your mouth is of the utmost importance. One of the most important things you can do for your teeth is check up on them regularly, so schedule your appointment today with one of our Little Rock dentists!