Finding a trusted family dental care office close to home is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your loved ones have healthy smiles for life. Not only does regular dental care help to reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, but a proactive approach is the foundation for preventing more intensive dental treatments in the future.
As you are looking for the best family dentists near me, make sure to find a team that has experience working with patients of all ages. A family dental care provider will be able to take care of both children and adults, giving you one convenient location to visit for all of your dental needs.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at the best dental care tips for different stages in life.
Dental Care Tips for Toddlers
Even before the baby teeth fully emerge, good dental care is critical from an early age. The reality is that it is never too early to start implementing daily habits to protect dental health. For young children, wipe their gums with a damp, clean cloth after they are done eating.
When the baby teeth start to pop through the gums, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the surfaces of the teeth. Choose a toothpaste safe for children. The brushing experience can be fun and bonding time with mom and dad, setting a great foundation the child can use for healthy dental habits that last a lifetime.
As soon as teeth start emerging, then make sure you are consistent with regular dental cleanings and checkups. These twice-a-year appointments should be a lifetime practice because they provide a foundation for healthy smiles.
Dental Tips for Children
As the child gets older and becomes a bit more independent, this is the time when they learn how to manage their own dental hygiene and oral health habits. Instead of facilitating the brushing, parents can encourage the child to brush their teeth on their own. In the beginning, it can be helpful to monitor the brushing, but eventually children will reach a stage where they are able to handle everything without their parent’s direction.
Make it fun for young children by inviting them to pick out colorful toothbrushes or choosing toothpaste brands that have fun characters on the bottle. Also, it’s important to limit sugary treats and snacks because these foods can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Dental Care for Teens
New dental challenges can start to pop up in the teenage years. For example, in this phase of life, it’s common to need braces or other types of orthodontic treatments. When a teen gets braces, they need to learn how to brush and floss around the wires and brackets properly to prevent plaque buildup, staining, and gum disease.
Additionally, this is the age when the third molars, known as wisdom teeth, may start to cause issues. Many patients need to have their wisdom teeth removed, so talk to the dentist to plan for the extraction if necessary.
Dental Care for Adults
Once you reach adulthood, dental practices shift to focus on prevention and maintenance. It’s critical that you continue to maintain regular dental exams and cleanings, because these appointments help with early detection. Good family dental care applies to adults as well since regular checkups can prevent gum disease, cavities, and more serious dental complications.
In adulthood, you might start facing issues that require dental treatments, such as tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, or cosmetic concerns. The good news is that our team offers full-service general dentistry and cosmetic services, helping you maintain a confident smile.
Dental Care for Seniors
It can become even more challenging to maintain good dental hygiene in the later years of life. New challenges start popping up, such as dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Plus, insurance coverage can start to vary in retirement, so many seniors are looking for affordable dental care options through retirement insurance plans.
Some seniors will need more intensive treatments, such as dental implants or dentures, if they are missing teeth. Since oral health is closely connected to overall health, it’s essential to maintain a healthy mouth in this stage of life.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Many women experience changes in their oral health during pregnancy. As the hormones are changing and the body is using nutrients to support the growing child, a pregnant woman might experience an increase in the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s more important than ever for pregnant women to maintain regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups to prevent pregnancy-related dental issues.
Dental Care for People with Disabilities
It can be challenging for people with disabilities to manage their daily dental health habits on their own, which is why they often need support from caregivers. Our team is happy to provide dental tips to make this process easier for everyone involved.
If the person has physical limitations, then adaptive toothbrushes can be used. Caregivers can take care of the flossing and brushing if needed. Also, sometimes people with mental disabilities benefit from dental sedation if bigger treatments are required
FAQ
How to find a good family dentist?
Ask your friends and family for dentist recommendations in the area. Also, you can read online reviews to see what other patients have said about their experience in the dental clinic.
When should my child see a dentist for the first time?
The general recommendation is that children should have their first dental appointment by their first birthday. Make sure to schedule the appointment within 6 months after the first tooth emerges.
Call Aroma Smiles: The Family Dental Care Experts
No matter their age, it’s important for every person to maintain regular dental checkups every six months. If you need to schedule appointments for your family, then our dental team is here to help. Dr. Kawani has experience working with patients of all ages, and our friendly staff ensures that your family is comfortable from the moment you walk through the door. Call us today!