Updated: 2/10/2020
Good practices for dental health should be a priority for every family and its members- regardless of age. Life is overwhelming, and many questions surrounding dental health get overlooked. For instance, when should a child first go to the dentist? What are some dental problems I may face as I get older? How old is too old for dental care?
Dental care changes as you age, and it’s important to be aware of your dental needs no matter the life stage. To help you best assess your dental needs, we put together this guide for dental care by age.
Babies
They may not have teeth yet, but dental care for babies is still important. There are several steps you can take before a child starts teething to get rid of any bacteria that may be clinging to the baby’s gums. The best way to do this is to gently wipe down the gums at least twice a day with a moistened washcloth or gauze. It’s recommended that the gums be wiped down after feedings and right before bedtime. Visits to the dentist are unnecessary until the child turns one.
Teethers and Toddlers
Once your child starts teething, you can begin using a toothbrush. Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a large handle and small head and non-fluoridated toothpaste. Gradually let the child begin brushing her own teeth, but be sure to teach and keep a watchful eye that they brush every tooth thoroughly.
Switch to fluoride toothpaste when you feel comfortable, but it’s recommended not to do so before age two. Be sure to supervise your child’s brushing until you fully trust them to do an efficient job on their own. Check out these fun toothbrushing songs that may make training more fun!
Adolescence Through Adulthood
For the majority of us, age isn’t much of a factor in a dental health routine. However, it remains a vital to your oral health. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day. Checkups (including x-rays and cleanings) should be received by a dental professional twice a year.
During this time in life, many people may get braces. Caring for your orthodontics can be tricky, but is especially important as food and bacteria can easily get stuck in between the metal brackets and wiring, which could eventually cause decay. Many tools like floss threaders and proxabrushes are available at stores like Target and Wal-Mart to help make dental hygiene with braces easier.
Seniors
As you age, proper dental hygiene becomes even more crucial as seniors are susceptible to more dental problems. However, proper care can help prevent the following problems:
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva in the mouth. It’s often caused by cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy, and other diseases. Drinking lots of water and chewing sugar-free gum can help keep your mouth moist and your saliva flowing.
- Gum Disease: Poor fitting dentures and certain diseases such as diabetes or cancer can often cause gum disease. Regular maintenance and upkeep of your oral health as well as healthy eating can help avoid this.
- Tooth Loss: Tooth loss in seniors often associated with different diseases, such as gum disease or dementia. Proper dental care can help prevent this. If you start losing teeth, it’s important to see a dentist immediately.
- Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth caused by diseases such as dry mouth, diabetes or cancer. Thrush can be prevented by eating yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, in addition to routine care for your mouth.
Caring for dentures is important, too. You should clean your dentures once a day with a soft brush and denture cleaner, and always rinse after eating. When you’re not wearing your dentures, be sure to keep them completely submerged in water, or else the dentures will dry out, causing them to warp. Hot water can also cause them to change shape, so be sure to only use cool or lukewarm water. Be very careful when handling your dentures so as not to drop them. It’s recommended that you only handle them while standing over a sink full of water or a folded towel, just in case.
No matter what stage of life you’re in, dental care is pricey. A dental discount plan can help save you thousands on your dental bill, and there are no age restrictions. So, whether you’re taking your child for their very first dentist visit or getting fitted for dentures, there’s a discount for everyone.
This blog is amazing. Thank you for sharing this very important information. You really provide all the information needed from babies to seniors. Great job!
Thank you for reading! We’re glad you’re enjoying our posts.
These tips are very helpful and informative for everyone. If you want keep your teeth healthy and very clean, then you can follow these tips.
Thank you for the feedback!
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
It is the little changes that make the most important changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
Thanks for these tips! I’m pregnant and have go to West Edmonton dental (https://www.azarkodental.com/azarko-west-office). The last time I was in I asked if there was anything I could do to keep my baby’s mouth healthy, he didn’t tell me about wiping their gums. That was very useful and I’m definitely going to be doing that when she is born. I’m glad to know there is something I can do at home. Thanks again!
Glad we could help, Holly!
Helpful tips ! It is very much important to get proper dental care at every age.Healthy teeth and gums do more than providing you a nice, shiny smile. Good dental health and good dental coverage is a great way to keep your whole body in good shape.
Thanks for stopping by!
had 2 partial bridges & still have the upper one. Lost the bottom one 3 times and my wife refuses to buy another.Too costly What can happen without a bottom bridge?? I am 87 yrs old.
Hi, Irvin. Without a bottom bridge, it will be harder to chew and speak, and any natural teeth may shift position. Give us a call at 800-372-7615 to find out how you can save money on getting that bridge replaced.
The post was very informative & the tips given by you should be followed regularly to get a healthy teeth for our health life.
Thanks for reading!
Very good tips to help children with their first cavity. Going to the dentist is traumatic enough in it’s own right.
Thanks for Sharing this informative blog about the dental health. Diseases related to teeth are quite often very painful as well as unsightly. Proper care of teeth is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and a smile to show off safely.
Thanks for the support!
Thank you for this useful article regarding dental care for all ages.
We’re glad you found it useful. Thanks for stopping by!