Good dental health is essential for every family, and numerous reasons exist for looking after teeth and gums. For a start, there is the confidence of having a nice, sparkling, clean smile, not to mention the ability to eat without pain or discomfort. A considerable amount of research has also linked poor oral health with overall health, including diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, maintaining a healthy mouth from childhood to retirement and beyond is relatively easy and very cost-effective. Below are a few family-friendly dental tips.
Begin Early
It is never too early to start caring for a child’s mouth, and you can begin by gently cleaning their gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze after each feed, which helps get them accustomed to having their mouth cleaned. When their first teeth emerge, they should be brushed gently with a baby toothbrush. Our dentists in Bowmanville can advise you on which toothbrush to use, when to begin using toothpaste, and how much, as young children can’t initially spit out excess toothpaste. We also like to start seeing young children for dental checkups from age three to closely monitor their dental health and development and work with parents to ensure their kids grow up with strong teeth and gums.
Use Enough Fluoride
Fluoride is excellent for strengthening tooth enamel and helping to prevent cavities. Most toothpastes and many mouthwashes contain fluoride. Look for products with the Canadian Dental Association Seal of Approval, which ensures the specific oral health benefit claims have been validated. If required, we can also provide professional strength fluoride treatments in Newcastle when you visit our dental practice. These can be very useful as a preventive treatment, especially if someone is more prone to developing tooth decay.
Ensure Everyone Has the Right Teeth Cleaning Tools
Brushing twice a day can go a long way toward preventing dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease in Clarington. However, it’s vital to spend at least two minutes cleaning teeth thoroughly and ensure you have the right tools for the job.
Older family members or anyone who struggles to hold a toothbrush might be more comfortable using an electric toothbrush. Everyone should use a soft-bristled brush that won’t damage their teeth or gums. Toothbrushes must be replaced every three months, so stick a note in your calendar or set up a reminder on your smartphone to ensure you change them regularly.
Teens with fixed braces might require special toothbrushes or other tools for cleaning around the brackets and wires. The same applies to dental floss, as different family members may need a specific type or prefer interdental brushes or a Waterpik.
Snack Smartly
When life is busy, and everyone is on the go at different times, snacks can help keep you going between meals. However, frequent snacking on the wrong foods can increase the risk of cavities. Making smarter choices will help provide plenty of energy without negatively impacting oral health. Instead of cookies, chips and candies, stock up on sugar-free dairy products like cheese and yogurts, crunchy fruits and veggies and raw nuts and seeds.
Book Dental Appointments
Most people must see a dentist in Courtice every six months for a checkup and hygiene appointment. We might suggest more frequent visits if someone has certain oral or medical issues requiring closer monitoring. It is a good idea to ensure everyone in the family has dental appointments booked well in advance so you can get the times that suit you best.
