Dentistry is part of life, so finding family dental care and a dentist who is able to help you as your oral health needs change is vital. From the moment your baby teeth grow in, all the way through the teenage years of braces, and into adulthood when restorative and preventive treatments happen, you need a dentist who will see you through it all.
Below is a walk-through of the major stages of family dental care and how it shifts through the years of infancy, all the way to adulthood.
Dental Care in Infancy
Oral health in one’s life starts before you even get your first tooth; it starts with your gums. To keep up with an infant’s oral health, parents and caregivers should be cleaning their infant’s tongue and gums twice a day to prevent any problems coming up in later years.
Early Care Cleaning Tips
- Dip a finger or gauze or finger into warm water
- Run along the gums and tongue, and gently clean the area
- It can be a good idea to go over their cheeks as well
Oral health care in children is very simple, but it is still important. The first trip to the dentist is recommended by the time they get their first tooth.
Dental Care As a Toddler
By the toddler ages, 1-3, most have all their primary baby teeth in. These years are important in setting standards for what good oral care should look like, as it will likely set the standard for them for years to come in their lives.
Not only is it a good time for them to be building good habits, but it is also the time when they get their first impression of what family dental care looks like, so a positive experience is important.
Good Oral Habits
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- You will need to demonstrate proper brushing technique
Key Needs At This Stage
- Trying to prevent cavities with fluoride toothpaste
- When to stop thumb sucking and pacifier use
- Keeping track of teething discomfort
Dental Care Throughout Childhood
During childhood, baby teeth are gradually replaced with adult permanent teeth. This period of development is so critical, and it is important to build good habits as they set up the rest of your future.
Good Oral Habits
- Making sure to brush teeth morning and night for two minutes
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at night
- Getting a water pick if your family is known to get cavities
Preventative Strategies
By this age, children should learn to look after their own teeth.
However, parents can support them by:
- Supervise and assist if needed during brushing and flossing
- Limiting sugary beverages, especially at night time
- Reinforcing positive and consistent dental routines
Key Needs At This Age
- Going to a dentist for family dental care
- Getting early orthodontic evaluations to monitor tooth alignment
- Making sure to book cleaning to prevent cavities and gum disease
Professional Dental Care
- Regular dental cleanings and checkups
- X-rays to monitor their developing teeth
- Sometimes sealant is put on molars to prevent decay
By pairing healthy habits taught at home with professional support given by family dental care providers, parents and guardians can ensure that their children move smoothly into independently caring for their oral health.
Adolescence
By the time the years of adolescence are reached, adult teeth have grown in, and habits, whether they be good or bad, are now formed. With adult teeth now in place, appearance, alignment, and hygiene become a top concern.
Preventative Strategies
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Use a fluoride mouthwash
- Floss at night
- Use a water pick to get any hard-to-reach areas that floss can not reach
- Try to avoid drinks and snacking at night
Key Needs At This Age
- Orthodontic treatment, such as braces
- Preventing cavities
- Monitoring wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth may start to develop, and X-rays help dentists determine whether they will need removal.
Professional Dental Care
- Orthodontic consultations for braces or other
- Wisdom teeth evaluations
- Regular 6-month cleanings
Regular dental visits during the adolescent years are not only about cleaning, they are also about guidance. Dentists can explain how oral health impacts confidence, appearance, and even speech. By linking care to issues teens care about, families can reinforce responsibility and independence.
Into Adulthood
In adulthood, the focus shifts to maintaining healthy permanent teeth and addressing restorative needs. Gum disease becomes a central concern at this stage. Regular flossing and professional cleanings are essential to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.
Key Needs At This Age
- Gum disease prevention
- Restorations such as fillings, crowns, and bridges
- Managing teeth grinding, known as bruxism
Professional Dental Care
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at night
- Go in every 6 months for a cleaning
- Make sure to get proper care for your gums
- Oral cancer screenings
Building Trust Over Time
The dentist can be a scary place for some at any age, so building and maintaining trust is essential. When patients feel comfortable with their dentist, they are more likely to keep their appointments and book the recommended 6-month cleanings, which in turn prevents any extra bookings that would be needed.
Creating positive experiences early on during childhood years often sets the stage for a lifetime. Dentists build trust in many ways, such as:
- Explaining each step as they go
- Find ways to calm yourself, such as music or a fidget
- Talk to your dentist
- Distract yourself
- Find a dentist whom you trust and stick with them
Family Dental Care In Boynton Beach
Oral health evolves at every stage of life, from infancy to senior years. Ignoring the small issues can only lead to bigger problems.
Whether it be cavities in a child, misaligned teeth in a teen, or gum and restorative concerns in adults, taking proactive steps now, like regular checkups and consistent home care, helps prevent complications and keeps your family’s smiles healthy for years to come.
Schedule your next family dental appointment today with your family dental care provider to protect your loved ones’ oral health and ensure healthy, confident smiles at every stage of life.
Call Eriks Dental Group today at 561-733-4004 to schedule your appointment.