|
YOUR ORAL HEALTH FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE 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.
This site sponsored in part by the Canadian Dental Association 
|