There are many benefits to keeping your loved ones’ teeth and gums healthy. Aside from aesthetics, a healthy smile contributes to proper chewing and speaking, promoting self-confidence as well as enhancing the quality of life.
Research suggests that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which, in turn, can contribute to other problems throughout the body, significantly impacting overall well-being.
Established dental professional, Dr. John Rohm, offers the following advice to help keep the smiles of you and your loved ones strong.
Infants and Children
An infant's primary teeth are already present in the jaw at birth, which makes it crucial to care for their smile from the start.
Clean your baby’s mouth by gently wiping the gums with a sanitized, moist gauze or washcloth.
For children younger than three, start brushing their teeth as soon as they erupt. Use a dentist-recommended toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. Cleanse their teeth thoroughly, at least twice a day.
Once your child can brush on their own, continue helping them with their dental hygiene routine. When your child has two or more teeth in a consecutive row, begin flossing daily.
Pre-Teens and Adolescents
When your child is busy with school, friends, and extracurricular activities, proper oral hygiene is often overlooked.
One of the biggest concerns in dental health care is that teens do not brush long enough. It’s recommended that adolescents brush for a total of two or three minutes daily. Getting them into the habit of using a smartphone timer or app can help your teen become more aware of how long they should be brushing.
A diet high in sugar promotes bacteria and cavities. By making healthy snacks and drinks available, teens may be less likely to overindulge on sugary foods. Keep water, vegetables, whole-grain crackers, and other nutritious options ready for convenient snacking.
A beautiful, healthy smile can undoubtedly help your teen look and feel their best, which contributes towards confident self-esteem. The typical eating habits of most teens can put them at risk of dental problems. Encourage healthy smiles in older kids and teens by encouraging them to carry a travel-sized toothbrush, chew sugar-free gum, drink plenty of water and snack on nutritious foods. If your teen is active in sports, consider having him or her wear a mouth guard to protect against potential injury.
Adults and Seniors
As you get older, maintaining proper oral health hygiene is just as vital as when you were younger. The natural process of aging can put you at a significant level of risk for oral health concerns.
Neglected teeth and gums can lead to infection, tooth loss and the wearing down of tissue and bone. Daily brushing and flossing prevents these issues and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
Maintaining a healthy mouth in your senior years can stave off oral infections that may be associated with heart disease, pneumonia and other bodily problems common in older adults. Regular dental visits can help keep you at your best, even if you have had restorative treatment or dental implants.
Your oral health involves much more than teeth and gums; it is essential to the general health and well-being of you and your loved ones. For exceptional preventive dental care, contact our Imperial dentist, Dr. John Rohm today!