Understanding the importance of dental care and oral hygiene will give you more than a beautiful smile, it will give you overall good health. Plaque buildup can cause gums to bleed which will allow bacteria to enter your blood stream. That puts one at risk for not only tooth decay but also of heart disease. It also makes it harder to control diabetes.
Practicing proper oral care is easily done with brushing, flossing, limiting sugary sweets and drinks, and visiting your dentist two times a year. Proper attention to your teeth and gums not only prevents diseases, but can actually improve your health. Certain aspects of oral hygiene are age specific and although it is never too late to start, it should begin in infancy.
Infants should have their gums gently wiped twice a day with a wet washcloth to begin the practice of good oral hygiene. Baby bottle decay is a serious concern; this usually occurs because a baby has been put to bed or laid down with a bottle of milk or juice. If a bottle is necessary at night, switch it to one with water or offer a pacifier instead.
As your child’s teeth begin to come in, it can be painful and rubbing their gums or using frozen teething rings or medication can help relieve some pain. Wipe off the gums with a wet washcloth twice a day, and when teeth come in you can start brushing. For toddlers under two, it is recommended not to use toothpaste or only a tiny pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Their first dental appointment should be scheduled around the age of two.
Throughout their childhood up until the teens, establishing good oral hygienic habits are important. This will last a lifetime if they are in the habit of caring for their teeth while young. Because kids like to imitate their parents, letting them see you practice good oral hygiene will influence them to follow suit. Although you cannot stop your teens from eating junk outside the home, inside the home you should keep it to a minimum and offer vegetables and fruits instead.
As you age into adulthood, the habit of brushing and flossing daily should already be part of your daily routine. Adulthood is also the time to start paying more attention to the gums for signs of gingivitis. Gum disease is very serious and needs to be treated right away. Redness, swelling, and tenderness may all be signs and a dental visit in order if you experience any of them. Remember, grownups need to watch their junk food intake and keep their dental visits twice a year too.
Fluoride is not only an essential part of keeping teeth healthy, but it is important when teeth start to form. If you live in an area where your water is not fluoridated, talk to your dentist about supplements. Simple lifestyle changes can also improve your oral health, like more calcium and vitamin C in your diet. Smokers should also take note that smoking is a factor for gum disease.
Never underestimate the importance of dental care and oral hygiene. It is about so much more than just a beautiful smile. The state of your teeth and gums can be a sign for something else going on in the body. Regular visits to your dentist and proper oral hygiene can help prevent and treat problems before they get out of hand.
A local dentist London Ontario is dedicated to providing professional dental services, care and understanding patients’ needs. Visit London Ontario dentist for your family dental care.