Every life stage demands its own unique dental care. No matter where you are at in your journey, this collection of age-targeted dental care tips will help you through.
Stage 1: Babies and Infants (0 to 3 years)
They may have few teeth or none at all. Nevertheless, they require the same attention to oral hygiene as adults.
- If the baby is teething, rub your baby’s gums and give a cold teething ring to chew on.
- If the first tooth begins to appear, clean the baby’s upper and lower gums and the teeth twice a day with a clean, damp, washcloth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Toothpaste is not recommended before age 2.
Stage 2: Children (4 to 12 years)
It may be difficult to get things done from them, but it’s important to make them understand the benefits of good oral habits.
- Introduce fluoride toothpaste when your child is old enough not to swallow it.
- Brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
- Give healthy snack foods such as fruits, and vegetables.
- Buy foods that are unsweetened or sugar-free.
Related Read: Everything About Cavities in Kids
Stage 3: Teens (13 to 19 years)
They may be in the world of their own, but with gentle reminders and extra care, their teeth and gums will be in great shape for college and beyond. Encourage your teenager to take good care of their teeth. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily.
Set a good example. Through you, your teenager will see the importance of oral hygiene.
- Have plenty of oral health-care supplies handy.
- Keep lots of fruits and vegetables in the house for snacking.
- Discuss with your teen the dangers of smoking on oral health.
- Let them know that getting braces (if required) is a normal part of life.
Stage 4: Adults (20 to 64 years)
From newfound independence to a bag full of responsibilities, adulthood spans over a large part of your life. Take good care of your teeth to enjoy good oral health in your golden years.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Limit sugary, starchy, and sticky foods.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- If you have missing teeth, speak to your orthodontist about dental crowns and bridges.
Stage 5: Elderly (65 years and above)
Being old doesn’t mean you can compromise oral health.
- Don’t skip dental visits, even if you wear dentures.
- Brush twice each day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Don’t over brush and don’t brush hard.
- Floss once daily.
- Monitor your sugar intake, especially from soda and candy.
- Don’t use tobacco.
- Incorporate a fluoride rinse into your daily routine.
- Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and chew sugar-free gum to prevent dry mouth.
- If you wear dentures, clean them daily, rinse them after every meal and take them off while sleeping.
- If you’re missing one or more teeth, discuss dental implants, dentures, dental crowns, and bridges with the dentist.
Looking for a dentist?
If you have any questions about your age-related dental care regime or any doubts regarding oral health, please contact Coral Dental Care. We’ll be happy to help.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health,recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.