Regardless of your age, the dental professionals at Fresh 32 Family Dentistry want to help you preserve and maintain your smile. Whether you are one or 101, we strive to provide you and your family with caring and compassionate dental care while instructing you on keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime. Let’s look at the importance of proper dental care at any age.
The Importance of Baby Teeth
You know that your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by their adult teeth, but that doesn’t mean that baby teeth aren’t important. Yes, they are necessary to eat and speak correctly, but they also guide your child’s adult teeth. If your child’s teeth suffer from decay because they sleep with a bottle or any other reason, they could lose their baby teeth before it’s time, and this can cause issues with their jaw development or spacing issues with their permanent teeth.
Caring for your child’s baby teeth as soon as they erupt is essential, and you should begin visiting the dentist by the time your child turns one. This way, we can help your child develop good oral healthcare habits with their baby teeth that will hopefully transfer to their permanent teeth. Early dental visits also help your child become comfortable with going to the dentist and enable us to detect any potential dental concerns.
Dental Care From Teen Through Adult
Once you have your permanent teeth, you may think it’s only a matter of time before your teeth become unhealthy and need to be replaced. This is a common myth that isn’t true. The truth is that if you take care of your natural teeth, it is possible to keep them for a lifetime. At Fresh 32 Family Dentistry, we believe that the following three components can significantly increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth:
1. Regular dental visits – Every six months, make a dental appointment with your Mesquite, TX, dentist for an exam and cleaning to keep your smile happy and healthy.
2. Early intervention – During your dental examination, we can detect any potential dental issues and work to form a treatment plan to fix them. If we cannot save your tooth, we can recommend state-of-the-art tooth replacement options for you.
3. Proper hygiene at home – Taking care of your teeth properly between dental visits is crucial to keeping your natural teeth. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth once a day to keep your smile for life.
Dental Care as You Age
As you get older, it can become more challenging to maintain a healthy smile, so it’s essential to visit our dental office at least twice a year so that we can discuss any of the following conditions with you:
Hypertension and diabetes – If you suffer from either of these health conditions, your oral health could be compromised. You may be more likely to contract gum disease or more prone to cavities.
Prescription medications – Depending on the medications your doctor has prescribed, you could suffer from adverse dental conditions such as gum disease, tooth loss, dry mouth, or tooth decay.
Physical, sensory, or cognitive impairment – Older adults are more likely to suffer from various impairments that could affect their ability to maintain oral hygiene.
Dental conditions – You may be more likely to suffer from dental issues such as dry mouth, gum disease, or tooth decay as you age. In addition, you may find that you’re overly sensitive to local anesthesia used in dentistry.
Oral Health Habits for Kids
As soon as your child is old enough to visit the dentist, you can instill oral health habits. Consider the following ways to help your child maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime:
- Brush twice a day – It’s essential that your child learns proper brushing techniques, so help them practice in the morning and evening. Let them choose a fun toothbrush and use fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day – Flossing is necessary to remove plaque from between your child’s teeth and along their gumline. Make flossing a daily priority; start by helping them and gradually allow them to floss independently.
- Rinse after eating – It’s a good idea to have your child rinse their mouth after they eat or drink something to wash away bacteria in their mouth.
- Use fluoride – Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste to help your child fight against tooth decay.
Setting a Good Example for Your Child
There are ways for you as a parent to set a good example for your child regarding oral hygiene. Your child watches you, so if you are doing the following things, they will see it and realize it’s important:
- Brush and floss with your child. Make it fun by playing music or giving rewards.
- Make dental appointments at the same time as your child.
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugary treats and drinks.
- Read books or watch videos about the importance of oral hygiene.
- Talk to your child about the risks of not caring for their teeth.
Are You Looking for a Family Dentist in Mesquite, TX?
If you and your family need a dentist to help care for your teeth and oral health, look no further than the dental experts at Fresh 32 Family Dentistry. We love nothing more than to help you maintain a healthy smile. You can reach our dental office at (469) 730-0090 for more information or to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!