Preventive Dental Care Tips for Children and Adults
Oral health is an extremely important part of hygiene. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked. People assume that brushing their teeth once a day and negligently forgetting to floss will still prevent them from getting cavities. However, this is rarely the case. With the amount of sugar and acid in most foods these days, maintaining proper dental health has never been more important.
Dr. Wayne Myles and his restorative dentistry team at Smiles By Myles in Reston, VA, are dedicated to helping adults and children thwart dental problems by giving tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene.
Dental Care Tips for Babies and Children
The cost of poor dental hygiene can be very high. Children and babies with poor dental health can have difficulties eating, teething, and drinking. It’s important for parents to teach their children how to take care of their teeth, so they can live a healthy life.
By using these oral health tips, babies and children can prevent dental problems:
- Parents should clean the baby’s gums and teeth after each feeding with a moist gauze pad or brush them with a soft child-size toothbrush when teeth begin to appear.
- Parents should consult a dentist before using fluoride toothpaste on their baby’s teeth. Typically, children can begin using toothpaste at the age of 2.
- After the baby turns 1, he or she should be attending regular dental visits at least six months apart.
- Limit the amount of juice or sugary beverages that the child consumes. If they do drink juice, parents should have the child rinse directly afterwards with plain water.
- After the child begins to develop teeth, begin a flossing regimen.
- Look for dental products recommended by the American Dental Association.
- When the child reaches 6 or 7, he or she should begin brushing twice per day.
Dental Care Tips for Adolescents and Adults
Tooth loss is typically caused by tooth decay and gum disease. For adolescents and adults who do not have secondary pair of teeth coming in, the teeth they have are the ones they will have for the rest of their life, so it's extremely important to take good care of them.
In order for teens and adults maintain good oral hygiene, they should take note of the following tips:
- Using a sealant can help prevent cavities. Sealants are a protective plastic coating that covers adult molars to help thwart decay.
- Making regular visits to the dentist is important. The dentist can suggest products and dietary solutions that prevent dental problems. Dental visits should be made every six months.
- Teens and adults should brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss every day.
- Using an anti-microbial mouthwash can help take care of gums and prevent gingivitis.
- Bleeding gums could be the early signs of periodontal disease and patients should see a dentist if this condition persists.
- Adults should replace their toothbrush every three months, or as soon as the bristles begin to bend.
- Brushing teeth at a 45-degree angle in small circles helps to remove the maximum amount of plaque.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can increase the risk of gum infections and tooth decay.
- Limit intake of sugary and acidic foods like soda, candy, and coffee.
- Do not eat before bedtime because food is more likely to cause cavities at night when there is less saliva.
Dr. Wayne Myles is a renowned cosmetic dentist with a passion for preventive dentistry. Dentistry is not just about repairing chipped teeth and drilling out cavities, it's also about helping patients achieve a happy, healthy smile with tips on ways to prevent dental issues. Dr. Myles and his team of preventive dentistry professionals believe that providing patients with a healthy mouth is of the utmost importance. To learn more about preventive dentistry treatments and tips, please give Smiles By Myles a call or contact the office by e-mail today.