As you age, your dental health concerns may shift but one important fact stays the same: dental visits, brushing, and flossing are key to a healthy mouth.
Good dental health protects you and your family from a variety of issues, ranging from tooth decay to serious infections. Together with your Little Rock family dentist, you can care for and maintain your family’s healthy teeth and gums at every age. In addition to following the basics of oral hygiene, make sure that you and your loved ones are protected from age-related dental issues.
Dental Health for Your Whole Family
Taking care of your teeth is a crucial part of your overall health, and the same goes for all of your family members. Whether they are just sprouting baby teeth, or dealing with gradual tooth loss, good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay and other dental problems from developing. The following are essential practices to follow throughout your lifetime:
Brushing
Brushing your teeth helps lower your risk of tooth decay by removing food particles and preventing plaque buildup. You should brush your teeth twice per day using a toothpaste that fits your needs and soft-bristled toothbrushes. Aim to have everyone brush in the morning and before bedtime. If you have younger kids, you might need to help them brush to make sure that they are giving their teeth a thorough cleaning. Keep in mind that you should replace toothbrushes every few months.
Flossing
Flossing helps keep your gums in good shape by making sure that no food particles stick in between your teeth. Flossing also helps remove plaque from your gum line in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Consider using waxed floss, which is a little more gentle and easier to use than un-waxed floss, if you have sensitive gums.
Fluoride
Fluoride helps keep you and your family’s teeth strong and healthy while protecting against tooth decay. It works by strengthening the enamel on your teeth, which can become worn down by acids or just time. You can get more fluoride by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, drinking more un-filtered water, or getting fluoride treatments at your doctor’s office.
Dentist Visits
Seeing your Little Rock dentist twice a year for routine exams and cleanings is an important part of good dental health for everyone in your family. Your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues while giving your teeth a thorough cleaning. If you have any questions or concerns, this is the time to voice them. If your dentist discovers an issue that needs to be addressed, this is the time when they will discuss other treatments.
Important Age-Related Dental Care Tips
You and your family members might need to take additional steps to maintain good dental health, depending on your age:
- Young Children: As baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth develop, keeping these teeth clean becomes even more important. Dentist visits can help you catch cavities or other problems early on.
- Teens: Your teen might need orthodontic care, such as braces or retainers, to correct teeth that are crooked or spaced too close together or too far apart. Listen to any complaints about gum pain, as your teen might need to have their wisdom teeth removed.
- Adults: You and other adult family members might consider cosmetic procedures as you get older, such as teeth whitening or other non-surgical dental treatments.
- Seniors: Older family members have a higher risk of losing teeth or developing complications from gum disease. They should see their dentist regularly to have problems detected as early as possible.
Make sure you and your family have beautiful smiles and healthy teeth by scheduling your next exam and cleaning. Contact Arkansas Family Dental for a dental health consultation in Little Rock at 501.683.8886.
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