It is essential to note that dental health is an important aspect of an individual’s health that needs to be cared for at all ages. From the start with the eruption of your first teeth to the later stages of adulthood, proper oral hygiene can assist in the prevention of numerous problems such as tooth cavities, periodontal diseases, and tooth loss. Below are the tips to follow in the care of your dental health at the different stages of your life.
The first period of childhood development is Infancy and Early Childhood (0-5 years)
- Teething and Early Care: In the first six months, a child starts to get teething which is the process of getting baby teeth, and this may be quite painful for your child. To soothe the baby, it is recommended to wipe the gums using a clean finger or a diaper, or a chilled teething ring. Make sure that their mouth is cleaned at least once a day using a soft and damp cloth to avoid bacteria and milk in their mouth.
- Establishing Healthy Habits: When the first tooth comes in, begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. To create a habit, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day, in the morning and before going to bed. It is recommended that by the time a child reaches the age of two, they should be transitioned to use a pea-sized portion of fluoride-containing toothpaste. Explain to your child that when brushing, the toothpaste should be expected out of the mouth rather than ingested.
- Dietary Considerations: Encourage a healthy diet with less sweets and fizzy drinks. Recommend the intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods that are beneficial to teeth and gum health.
- First Dental Visit: The first dental check-up should be done by the time the child is one year of age or within six months after the eruption of the first tooth. The initial appointments are useful in creating a dental home and addressing any problems that may arise in the course of the child’s development.
School Age (6-12 Years)
- Transition to Permanent Teeth: At about the age of 6 years, children begin to have their baby teeth fall out and these are replaced by permanent teeth. Make sure that they brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to eliminate food debris and plaque.
- Orthodontic Evaluation: An orthodontic screening should be done around the age of 7 to check on the placement of teeth and the requirement of braces or other treatments. This type of assessment is useful since more advanced concerns can be avoided in the future.
- Diet and Habits: Reduce or avoid foods and drinks with high sugar content which can cause tooth decay. Emphasise the fact that teeth should not be used to open packages or to bite other items that are not food.
- Protective Measures: If your child is active in any kind of sport, it is highly advised that they wear a mouth guard to prevent any injuries to their teeth. The most effective is a mouth guard made by a dentist and specially Coloured to fit the mouth.
Teen Years (13-19 Years)
- Continued Oral Hygiene: It is recommended that teenagers clean their teeth regularly. Remind them to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss their teeth frequently. Fluoride mouthwash is also helpful at times.
- Orthodontic Care: If the teenager has braces or other orthodontic materials, ensure that they know the necessity of brushing to avoid the growth of plaque on brackets and wires. It cannot be overemphasised the importance of attending the scheduled appointments for orthodontic check-ups.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Adolescents may have poor eating habits that may affect their dental health including taking sweet beverages and unsuitable snacks. Adopt a healthy diet and reduce the intake of foods that contain high amounts of sugar. Also, due to the side effects that smoking and vaping have on oral health, ensure that the patient is advised on the best way to avoid these behaviors.
- Regular Dental Visits: Make sure your teen does not miss dental appointments and check-ups as well as cleanings. Some of the problems that may be detected at an early stage include cavity formation or gum diseases that if not treated may result in more complex concerns in the future.
Adulthood (20-50 Years)
- Routine Dental Care: Brush and floss your teeth often at least twice a day. You should use fluoride toothpaste and if possible, you can opt for an electric toothbrush for better cleaning. It is recommended that a person should visit a dentist every six to twelve months for check-ups to prevent dental problems.
- Diet and Nutrition: To maintain healthy teeth and gums one should take a balanced diet with a special emphasis on calcium and vitamins. Reduce the intake of acidic foods and drinks as they weaken the tooth enamel.
- Addressing Lifestyle Factors: It is also important to note that smoking or taking alcohol will not only harm your oral health but might lead to oral cancer. Smoking and excessive drinking are not healthy for your teeth and mouth and quitting them can be very helpful.
- Pregnancy and Dental Care: Some of the recommended dental visits include; Pregnant women should visit the dentist at least twice a year because hormonal changes affect the gums. It is advised that you inform your dentist that you are pregnant because some procedures may have to be altered.
Senior Years (51+ Years)
- Maintaining Oral Health: Gum disease and tooth decay become more and more likely as you grow older. It is advised that you should continue to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth. If the abovementioned methods of manual toothbrushing prove to be difficult, one might consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
- Addressing Tooth Sensitivity: This is because sensitivity is not static and tends to increase with the lapse of time. It is therefore recommended that one uses toothpaste for sensitive teeth and for any persisting sensitivity one should consult with the dentist.
- Dentures and Dental Implants: It is also important to clean dentures and dental implants if one has them. Remove and clean dentures daily with a denture cleanser; do not use regular toothpaste as it is quite abrasive. It is advisable to follow the dentist’s guidelines on how to take care of the implants; this will help in their longevity.
- Oral Cancer Screening: The probability of getting oral cancer rises with age. It should also be noted that preventive diagnostic examinations should include oral cancer screening during dental check-ups. Pay attention to any changes that are happening in your mouth; for instance, sores that do not heal or ongoing pain.
Oral health is a process that one has to engage in at every stage of life and is modified depending on the current stage. Practicing good oral hygiene, choosing a proper diet and regular visits to the dentist will help you have a perfect smile all your life. Begin brushing your teeth as early in the day as possible, be regular, and never forget that dental care is important at any age. In the future, you will surely appreciate the time you are investing in your dental hygiene.
