April is oral health month. It is a great time for you to learn about taking care of your teeth. Children, adults and seniors all need different dental routines. Your dentist can also guide you through oral health during pregnancy.
Children’s Dental
When should your child have their first dentist appointment?
Once your child’s first tooth grows in, they should visit the dentist for a checkup. Identifying dental issues early on leads to healthy teeth. This important appointment helps them initiate a strong dental routine for the rest of their life.
What happens in your child’s first booked dentist appointment?
The dentist will check for any cavities or other dental health concerns and inform you of a preventative plan for your child’s future dentistry.
What dental services may your child need and why?
Your child could need a variety of services but the 2 main ones for children are braces and sealants.
Sealants
Children ages 6-14 may need sealants to prevent cavities from occurring. Sealants are a coating applied to the molars to protect the enamel from cavity-causing plaque and acids.
Braces
Your child could require braces to align their teeth properly. Braces should be used as early as possible to avoid crooked teeth later in life.
As your child’s teeth grow, their oral structure changes. Regular visits to a dentist will ensure your child is free from major dental issues in their adult life.
Going to the Dentist as an Adult
Eating out and partying as an adult is fun but can take a toll on your teeth. In order to do what you love and keep your oral hygiene in top shape, you need to maintain a great dental routine. Brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist will help keep your teeth in excellent shape.
Sensitive teeth and gum disease can become an increasing problem as you age. Your gums naturally recede exposing teeth unprotected by gum tissue. Lack of shielding means your teeth will be more sensitive to hot/cold food and drink. Severe sensitivity cases cause painful reactions to cold air and often sour and sweet foods.
Gum disease can lead to other concerns such as heart disease and diabetes. Take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing and getting regular dental cleanings or you will be worrying about more than your oral health.
Senior Dental Care
Are you at the stage in your life where you have few or no teeth left? Do you experience continual oral pain? Visiting your dentist for dentures can help resolve issues. Dentures are false teeth and gums, custom fit by the dentist, for your mouth. Dentures improve your life by giving you the confidence you need to smile as you did before! Improve your ability to take a bite out of life at any age.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Pregnancy causes changes to your oral cavity and makes you susceptible to oral infections. Hormonal variations during pregnancy can cause your gums to swell leading to disease. Periodontal disease usually happens in the first trimester of pregnancy and can create complications such as premature birth.
If you have morning sickness, the acid in your vomit can erode enamel. It is best to rinse your mouth with water on a regular basis to wash away any residual stomach acids. You can avoid oral health problems with regular dentist appointments during your pregnancy term. Need some advice for a healthy mouth? Your dentist can provide you with tips and tricks to avoid risky dental situations while pregnant.
No matter what age you are or situation you are in, going to the dentist is a vital part of maintaining oral and regular health.
