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Sep 04, 2024
Dental health care should be a priority at every age. It must begin even before the first tooth erupts and should last the lifetime of an individual. Teeth are beautiful parts of our face that must be preserved with utmost care and love to maintain their natural strength and durability. Optimum oral health at every stage of life ensures good jawbone health and strong teeth until old age. The process may change for different age groups, but the goal must remain the same.
Dental health care involves following a proper and consistent tooth-cleaning ritual every day and visiting the dentist in Hope Island for preventive care. If there is any issue with teeth or gums, the problem must be resolved at the earliest through restorative and cosmetic treatments. It is vital to understand that teeth change with age, as does the tending routine. Here is everything you need to know about dental health care for different age groups. It will help you follow the best regimen for your age.
1. Dental Care for Babies and Toddlers (0-3 Years)
Dental care is not the same for all age groups because teeth undergo various developmental phases during a lifetime. They must be protected from decay and diseases with a cleaning routine that begins after a few weeks of birth. Infants do not have teeth until six months, but their gums must be cleaned with a soft, damp, clean gauze or cloth to remove formula or milk accumulation after feeding.
After the first tooth erupts, it is time to visit a Hope Island dentist for examination and understanding of the dental care routine, thumb sucking and teething issues. Usually, it includes using a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste until they are two years old. Parents can use pea-sized amounts of fluoride toothpaste after the babies turn two.
2. Teeth and Gum Care for Kids (3-12 years)
Primary teeth erupt until age six and are usually twenty in number. They start falling out when the kids are six years old and have all the primary teeth in their jaws. Incisors are the first to fall, and second molars are the last ones (between the ages of 10 and 12). Parents must supervise brushing until kids are eight years old and know the right technique and routine.
Since most children consume a high-sugar diet at this age, they must visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and detection of cavities. Parents must ensure kids maintain a healthy lifestyle and consume a nutritious diet to keep their teeth healthy. It is also the right time to include flossing once daily in the cleaning routine to remove debris. If the kids develop uneven teeth or are prone to cavities, the practitioners will suggest braces, aligners and dental sealants.
3. Maintaining Oral Health of Teenagers (13-19 Years)
Children get all their permanent teeth by 12, barring wisdom teeth (third molars), which erupt between 17 and 21 years. Since the wisdom teeth emerge after the development of the jaw, there is usually no space for them to grow. It can come out at an angel of stay within the jawbone because of a lack of space. Expert dentists in Hope Island recommend the removal of wisdom teeth when they have come out partially or are trapped in the gums because they can become infected or lead to gum disease. Teenagers must maintain optimum oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing for mouth health. In addition, they should avoid junk food and eat a balanced diet that makes their teeth strong.
4. Dental Health Routine for Adults (20–60 years)
Adults become negligent about their teeth because of their demanding jobs, household responsibilities, and caring for children. Self-care usually takes a back seat, which leads to the development of various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, arthritis, back problems, and depression. They also suffer from dental issues like yellowing and staining of teeth, sensitivity, gingivitis, cavities, etc.
Thus, they must be physically active and pay attention to their oral health. It is vital to cut down on alcohol and tobacco consumption for improved immunity and better overall health. It is equally important to follow stress-busting activities and mindfulness for mental wellness. Dental health care routine must be clubbed with visits to the dentist every six months to avoid problems.
5. Caring for Gums and Teeth of Seniors (60 Years and Above)
Adults over 60 have to be extra careful about dental health because it starts deteriorating rapidly at this age. According to estimates, over 60% of Australians who are over 75 suffer from gum disease, and most of them have lost one or more teeth. Dry mouth and cavities are common problems among older adults because of other age-related issues and the consumption of medicines. Many of them use partial or full dentures and have to clean them for hygiene.
They must book regular appointments with their Hope Island dentists to monitor their oral health and get treated. Since teeth and gums become weak with age, seniors must not miss these appointments, including oral cancer screenings.
Wrapping Up
Dental care is not age-specific and is required for newborns as well as older adults. While practices and routines may differ with age, cleaning should not be ignored at any stage. Adequate hygiene levels are essential for optimum oral health.
