You have probably made a lot of changes throughout your life. You don’t wear the same styles you did as a child. You don’t like the same books or have the same hobbies. At every age, we embrace our changing selves, but many people don’t know their oral hygiene routines should change too. Keep reading to find out more about how to keep your smile healthy at every age and stage of dental development.
Youth – Aged 18 and Under
Kids often struggle to maintain their smile health because they’re still developing coordination. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure your child’s smile is healthy:
- Bring kids to the dentist by their first birthday for an exam to ensure proper dental development
- Don’t allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle unless it contains water or breast milk
- Before teeth erupt, use a clean cloth to wipe down the gums after your child eats
- After teeth erupt, use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste to brush teeth
- When two teeth next to each other have erupted, floss between these teeth each day
- Bring your child in to have a wisdom tooth examination and orthodontic assessment
Adulthood – 20s to 40s
During these decades, patients typically have the strongest, healthiest smiles. With daily brushing and flossing and regular dental office visits, adults can typically maintain their optimal level of oral health. However, there are some behaviors that increase patients’ risks for dental health issues including:
- Reducing consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages
- Kicking bad chewing habits like ice, pen, or nail biting
- Avoiding using teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts
- Following instructions to protect teeth by wearing mouthguards during athletic events or from excessive teeth grinding and clenching
Later Life – 50 and Up
As we age, there are many new oral health concerns to be aware of. The immune system may be weakened leading to an increased risk for gum disease, so daily brushing and flossing is even more essential. Saliva production decreases later in life, and with lower amounts of neutralizing saliva, patients are at greater risk for tooth decay. Finally, tooth loss is much more likely as we age and bone density begins to diminish. Let your dentist know right away if you notice teeth that feel lose or a bite that doesn’t fit together the same way. With a little extra time spent on brushing and flossing each day and regular checkups with a skilled dentist, senior patients are able to retain their healthiest smiles for life.
Meet Dr. Kevin Dann
At Dentistry Asleep, Toronto dentist, Dr. Kevin Dann, and his team work hard to ensure patients are completely comfortable throughout their time in our office. We take time to answer your questions, make sure you’re free from stress and pain, and partner with you to keep smiling. If you’d like to find out more or schedule an appointment, contact us. Our friendly dentist and team will be happy to help.
