How to Take Care of Your Teeth: Tips for All the Family

While dental visits and brushing unite us, different age groups can need different dental care and hygiene practices. Here are some tips from our team of hygienists to help the whole family look after their teeth properly.

Babies and Children

Children’s teeth emerge at around five months, with a full set of baby teeth present around age three. Adult teeth replace them between 10 and 12 years old. From emergence, it’s important to brush twice a day with a smear of toothpaste. Children may be reluctant to brush, so make it a game by singing a silly song or ‘racing’ each other. The longest brusher wins.

Babies’ and children’s teeth are prone to damage from sugary foods and drinks, so limit these as much as possible.

Never give your baby juice from a bottle. This bathes teeth in the sugary solution for longer than it would in a cup.

Early Dental Treatment

NHS treatment for children is free, so we recommend establishing a good routine with your hygienist as soon as teeth appear. Children may be nervous and need encouragement at first. As a family-friendly surgery, we aim to make dental visits fun by encouraging children to use our play equipment prior to their appointment.

Developing a trusting relationship is important going forward as we may be the people to give your child their first set of braces, their regular check-ups and perhaps even their dental bridges and restorations when they’re older.

Adults

Besides brushing twice a day, it’s advisable to floss to remove the food debris that brushing can’t. Waxed and unwaxed flosses are available and the type you use depends on the gap between your teeth.

Prompt dental work is another way of protecting your teeth. It’s common to fear extensive treatments such as dental bridges and worry about the time and cost of treatment, but avoiding dental work will set you up for further complications which are not just related to the mouth. Bacteria caused by poor oral hygiene can contribute to heart disease and digestive problems, as well as oral issues.

Older Household Members

Gum disease becomes more prevalent as we age due to the build-up of plaque. This can cause gum recession and tooth loss.

Prevention is much better than a cure, so we recommend brushing twice a day with a soft bristle brush to prevent disease. You need to take extra care around dental bridges, crowns and fillings to ensure these areas are kept spotless.

For those with limited grip, you can purchase toothbrush grips which make the brush wider and easier to hold and manoeuvre.

Dentures should be brushed and soaked daily, particularly if you suffer from dry mouth, which can increase the risk of infections. Some dentures require special cleaning products, so be sure to speak to one of our hygiene team for advice as to how to look after them. Never use a bleaching agent to clean your dentures as this can weaken their structure.

If you would like advice on how to care for your teeth, please get in touch with our friendly team at the Lodge Dental Surgery on 01730 266 350 today.