Oral health isn’t a once-in-a-while affair. While many patients hope that occasional flossing and so-so brushing will end in cavity-free teeth, doing just enough to get by isn’t the right course of action. Superb dental health is a lifelong benefit, and one you must work every day to enjoy. Consider the right steps to take at every stage of life, and you’ll be prepared to maintain gorgeous, happy, and healthy teeth.
Dental Health During Pregnancy
Just like the rest of your body, your teeth crave proper nutrition. But they’re especially starved for nutrients during their initial development. Teeth begin calcifying incredibly early – about two months after conception. For this reason, it’s important to think of your baby’s oral health as your own. Throughout your pregnancy, ensure that you get plenty of
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Protein
- Vitamins A, C, and D
These nutrients will keep your gums healthy (preventing gingivitis during pregnancy can prevent complications), and ensure that your baby develops strong teeth and bones. Building your child’s strong teeth from the earliest possible stage will enhance enamel to help prevent him or her from getting cavities.
Oakland General Dentist on Children’s Oral Health
Kids and oral hygiene tend to go together like oral and water. They’re resistant to brushing and flossing because they don’t find it exciting. But kids are also open to new ideas. Changing the way you approach their dental health can get them more invested in the process.
- Talk to your kids about bacteria and plaque. If you explain how teeth can fall prey to bacteria, your children will be more likely to spend time keeping them clean. Find dental health activities that visually illustrate the effects of plaque on enamel. They may be surprised by the role they can take in cavity prevention (once they realize that cavities aren’t unavoidable).
- Brush alongside them. Show your kids that you care about oral hygiene yourself. Join them in nightly brushing and flossing to spend a little more time together and monitor their hygiene habits.
- Nurture a love of healthy snacks. Your kids won’t be lusting after gummy snacks and potato chips if those aren’t an option in the first place. Providing your children with fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and nuts will help them develop a taste for healthy foods. And if their oral hygiene isn’t up to par, there won’t be as much acid or bacteria present in the mouth than if they were snacking on sugary, starchy treats.
Dental Care for Adults
Adult life is hectic and unyielding. Maintaining regular dental exams and treating your teeth well tend to fall by the wayside. Help keep yourself on track by scheduling the next year’s exams at once, well ahead of time. Your dentist’s office will remind you when the appointment rolls around, and you’ll catch signs of disease in time.
As an adult, it’s important to continue eating right and using fluoridated dental products. Avoid expensive, time-consuming dental work down the line by keeping your pearly whites in great shape. Maintain a bright smile by rinsing with water after drinking your daily coffee, tea, or red wine. And get in touch with your dentist as soon as you suspect there could be a problem (if you feel twinges or notice that your gums are inflamed).
Seniors’ Dental Concerns
Seniors can feel overwhelmed by dental precautions they need to take. Staying in touch with your dentist will help – that line of communication will provide you with tips and guidance. You should be especially aware of the threat of dry mouth, which is a side effect of many medications and can also occur naturally as we age. A lack of saliva in the mouth prompts the growth of cavities and gum disease.
Please get in touch with Summit Dental Care to have any question about your own oral health answered.