Do You Know The Importance Of Family Dental Care?

By: Longevity

Most of us are well-versed with the fact that dental care is important. But why exactly it is so important, is something which a majority of us are unaware of. Oral health is related to the overall health in more ways than we can imagine.

Longevity explains the importance of dental care for every member of your family, right from toddlers to seniors. Let's take a look! The Oral Surgery DC Team

Toddlers

• The first baby teeth generally appear between the time periods of 6 to 10 months. In some toddlers, these can appear as early as at 3 months, while in some they can arrive as late as at 12 months. By the time the child turns 3, all the primary teeth have erupted.
• This phase of the eruption of teeth may result in a tender and irritable gums. Try soothing the gums by rubbing them with a clean finger or frozen teething ring.
• Some toddlers may develop a habit of thumb sucking, which is normal. However, this habit can cause problems in the development of jaw and mouth and even teeth positioning. Sucking on pacifiers for extended periods of time can also disrupt jaw development and may result in protruded teeth. One of the best solutions to help your child get rid of thumb sucking is adapting positive reinforcement.
• This is also an important phase to get your child started on brushing. A pea-sized amount of a toothpaste containing fluoride should be used. Make sure that your child doesn't swallow it.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and gentle stroke s to brush the inside surfaces first where most of the plaque most.

Children

• Primary teeth are important for chewing and learning to talk. They also play a vital role in determining proper alignment and spacing of the permanent teeth.
• The enamel on the teeth of children, though fully formed, is still porous and inadequately mineralized. The jaw is growing significantly to make space for more teeth.
• At this stage, the diet of your child is very important apart from a proper oral care routine. The quantity of sugar and the frequency of its consumption should be monitored strictly. Limit the amount of sweets between meals and prevent snacking throughout the day. Ensure that your child gets wholesome and a healthy diet and opts for healthy options instead of sugary, chewy and hard foods, which can damage the teeth and gums.
• Supervise the brushing times of your child. Brushing twice a day regularly is very important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Tweens And Teenagers

• Children between the ages of 10 and 12 or tweens are still losing their primary teeth. The last baby tooth is generally lost by the age of 12 and around this time the second permanent molars appear. Since the permanent teeth are so new, they are more prone to decay.
• Teenagers, during the age bracket of 16 and 20 get their permanent third molars or the wisdom teeth. These can either grow in earlier, later or never at all. In many cases, the pediatric dentist may recommend the removal of the wisdom teeth since they are difficult to clean or are causing problems.
• Teenagers often face a lot of peer pressure. This can cause them to might make choices which are harmful to their oral as well as overall health. These include oral piercings, smoking, eating disorders, chewing tobacco, etc.
• Most kids during this stage of their lives need braces because of misaligned teeth. It's best to find a dentist who is trained in kids' oral care and seek professional help for your child's healthy teeth.
• Parents should help both tween and teenagers make healthy lifestyle choices including oral habits since their new permanent teeth are more prone to decay and damage.

Adults

• Adults are more likely to neglect their oral health due to a plethora of reasons. They are at an increased risk of getting gum diseases such as gingivitis or even tooth loss in severe cases
• Oral health problems can lead to overall health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases, inflammation, etc.
• Regular brushing and flossing, quitting smoking, limiting coffee and tea intake, eating a healthy diet and drinking sufficient amount of water can help adults maintain a healthy mouth.

Seniors

• A majority of them don't have natural teeth. The remaining teeth need to be preserved as they are more prone to oral health issues, such as gum diseases.
• Certain medical conditions such as arthritis in fingers and hands can make brushing difficult.
• Use an electric toothbrush. Rinse afterward with an antiseptic mouthwash. Clean the dentures daily.
• Oral issues at this age can result in overall health complications related to digestion, heart and other vital organs.

A family dentist offers many advantages such as familiarity, convenience, and reliability. They know your family's dental history thoroughly, which allows for early detection and prevention of any underlying oral or related overall health issues. So if you still haven't consulted one, find a dentist near you.

Never miss out on dental checkups. Professional dental care can help ensure healthy smiles in your family.

Source: https://www.longevitylive.com/health-living/family-health/know-importance-family-dental-care/