Proper dental care is different at the various stages everyone goes through in their lifetime. While some things remain the same, like good oral hygiene, others will shift and change as you age. Children, adults, and even seniors face unique issues with their smiles.
If you are thinking about how you can maintain great oral health for the rest of your life, here is what you need to know for each stage of the journey:
Children and Teens
Parents want their children to have optimal oral health from an early age. At this critical juncture, it is essential to have regular dental visits. This is the best time to establish lifelong habits when it comes to good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing twice daily. This keeps a young person's teeth and gums healthy well into adulthood.
Children and teenagers also undergo orthodontic treatment at this age, which makes good oral health even more important.
Don't forget that diet plays an essential role in maintaining optimal oral health. Steer clear of sugary snacks and beverages that can cause cavities and other issues with dental health.
Adults
Adults should keep up with the same good oral hygiene habits as teens and children, but they should be aware that they are at greater risk for gum disease and tooth decay. Because of this, you should never delay your regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can help you identify these issues early on so that you can take steps to remedy them as soon as possible.
Maintaining good oral health is also as simple as brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice a day. This should be a habit you carry throughout your life if you want to impact oral health.
Young adults may also consider the removal of their wisdom teeth at this time.
Seniors
Seniors have a unique set of concerns when it comes to proper oral hygiene. Often, they have issues related to other medical conditions, like dry mouth, from their medication. While this can be a side effect of their other medications, it can also spell big problems for dental care, namely contributing to tooth decay.
This is also a time when wear and tear on the teeth might turn into tooth loss. Many people turn to dentures and implants at this stage of life.
Don't forget that all of the problems of adulthood also spill over into your golden years. Gum disease is still prevalent in seniors. Proper oral hygiene habits can ensure you have a healthy smile for decades to come.
Keep in Touch With a Local Dentist
At every stage of life, maintaining healthy teeth requires the help of dental professionals. East Kildonan Dental Group is a conveniently located dental clinic in Winnipeg that can help you establish proper dental care to minimize your risk of gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss. Reach out to us today to schedule your appointment!