Infants and Children
Starting proper dental health is important for small children. There are many differences between an adult's and child's dental care that many parents are not aware of. Starting proper dental care begins even before a child's first tooth erupts.
A child's first teeth are important for a child to learn how to eat and speak properly. Having good teeth is also important for a child's self-image. Healthy baby teeth and gums ensures a healthy spot for the child's permanent teeth.
Children should begin to see the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. It is important to make the child's first visit to the dentist fun.
Remember that preventing dental problems is less expensive and better for the child than having to fix problems later. Your dentist can answer any range of questions from the effects of baby bottle caries, help your child stop thumbsucking to proper maintenance of this age group's teeth. If you have any questions or concerns regarding proper dental treatment for your child, be sure to talk to your dentist.
Teens to Adults
Long gone are the days of baby teeth and so far is this age group from concerns of the effects of aging teeth. Yet, dentists still play a vital role in our regular oral care.
Both teen and Adult patients are seeking treatment as a means to improve self-image as well as the overall function of their teeth. Not everyone is born with a perfect smile. Many people have gaps between their teeth, have noticed that their teeth are not a white as they would like them to be and yes, braces aren't just for teenagers - adults want perfect smiles too!
There are ways to correct these problems. Bonding, crowns and veneers can change the shape and color of a tooth or fill in gaps - Bridges or implants can be used to replace missing teeth - Composites are used for fillings that your can't see - and braces have moved beyond the heavy metal look as many patients now have more options.
Improving your smile is as easy as asking your dentist!
Although most may not think so, a dentist can be the solution to many problems. If you snore, you are not alone. Statistics indicate that approximately 40% of adults over the age of 40 snore some or all the time. While snoring is more of a nuisance than a health concern, there is a possibility that snoring can turn into sleep apnea. To prevent snoring and sleep apnea, more people are turning to oral or dental appliances to treat the problem.
Dentists are also the experts when it comes to other problems such as bad breath, cold and canker sores.
Seniors
Even though the need for dental care is so important, seniors tend to neglect their oral health.
As many seniors are living longer and enjoying active lifestyles, ensuring good dental health for seniors is very important.
Many health conditions that affect seniors can stem from poor health. Tooth decay and gum disease has been linked to other serious conditions such as strokes. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the blood stream when tooth decay and gum disease are present. This can result in weakened immune systems and more health problems. Many seniors need to take medication for different health conditions. These medications can cause side effects, such as dry mouth. When a person has dry mouth, that person is more susceptible to decay.
A number of seniors have dentures and need special attention. If dentures loosen over time, gums can get irritated, become uncomfortable and can affect nutrition.
Seniors should make regular visits to their dentists for check-ups and dental cleanings. If you have any specific questions on dental care for seniors, be sure to ask your dentist.