Start your oral health habits early.

It’s never too early to adopt a good oral health routine. Parents can begin oral health habits with their babies that can carry on throughout their lifetimes. And these good oral health habits can lead to better overall health and well-being for the remainder of their lives.

Basic Oral Health Habits

Knowing how to properly brush and floss your teeth is important for building healthy habits. And, having the right equipment is a good start. Dentists recommend using a soft bristled toothbrush with a head that fits comfortably in the mouth. The head of a toothbrush should be able to maneuver in your mouth so that it can brush all sides of your teeth.

To brush your teeth, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, preferably fortified with fluoride, and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, using small circular strokes to clean the surface of each tooth, including the back and sides of your teeth. While brushing, make sure it takes at least two minutes each time, ensuring you are paying attention to all of your teeth.

To floss, start with about 18-inches of floss, and wrap the majority of it around one index finger, then about an inch of floss around the other index finger. Holding the floss taut between your two fingers, slide the floss between teeth and rub the floss up and down gently to swipe away any food particles that may be stuck. As you get close to the gumline, curl the floss into a C-shape and use a gentle swiping motion to clean under the gum.

Once both sides of the tooth are done, gently slide the floss out, and wind a clean piece of floss between your fingers, then repeat the process until you have flossed between all of your teeth.

Oral Health Tips for Babies and Toddlers

Dental care for your little ones can begin before teeth even emerge. Use a clean, soft washcloth and gently massage your baby’s gums. This gets them used to something being in their mouth, and can also stimulate their gums for healthy growth. Once your baby’s first tooth appears, you can begin to brush it twice a day with a small toothbrush made especially for babies, but instead of toothpaste, brushing with water will do. At this time, you can make an appointment at Staley Dental for your baby’s first dentist appointment.

To help preserve your baby’s teeth, it’s a good idea to limit sugar intake, including sugary drinks and snacks. Prolonged exposure to sugars can cause tooth decay, which can lead to cavities.

Oral Health Tips for Children

Once your child is old enough to brush their teeth on their own, let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Look for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal; these products are recommended by dentists across the country.

For younger children, encourage them to brush their teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. You may want to supervise your child to make sure they are brushing properly, or even join in by brushing your teeth. While your child is young, teach them how to floss, which should be done at least once a day. If using traditional dental floss is too tricky, teach your child to floss using a dental pik or water pik while flossing.

As your child grows, teach them about choosing tooth-friendly healthy foods as snacks, like vegetables or cheese. Get them used to drinking water throughout the day instead of sipping on drinks loaded with sugar, which can cause tooth decay due to their excess sugars.

Oral Health Tips for Teenagers

As your child becomes a tween or teen, they will probably be looking for more independence in their lives. So, if your child is in need of braces to straighten their teeth, let them be involved in the conversation. Traditional metal braces are available, as well as clear aligners. It’s okay for your teen to ask questions about the differences; have them talk with their dentist about the pros and cons of each choice.

Teens should also learn about the dangers of tobacco on their oral health, as well as oral piercings. For teens involved with sports, encourage them to get custom-fitted mouthguards to wear while playing sports.

Oral Health Tips for Adults

Adults can’t forget about themselves when it comes to oral health. Make sure you are still brushing and flossing daily, and using the correct methods. As you age, you need to be more aware of gum disease and how to brush properly to decrease your risks. Adults should also limit their tobacco and alcohol intake to reduce their risks of oral cancer. It’s crucial for adults to continue visiting Staley Dental at least every six months for complete dental evaluations, where our team of dentists can monitor the health of your teeth.

Oral Health Tips for Seniors

As you age, there are other things you should monitor for your oral health. Seniors should be aware that other medical conditions may affect their oral health, like diabetes. Many seniors may experience dry mouth, which is when your mouth doesn’t produce as much saliva as it used to. Many dentists will recommend using an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to help with saliva production.

Continue to Visit Staley Dental for your families’ dental care needs.

Keeping up with good oral health habits will help teeth stay healthy for an entire lifetime. A good oral health routine also includes visits to Staley Dental at least twice a year for complete dental evaluations, which include X-rays and a professional cleaning. Allowing our team to monitor your oral health can help your teeth stay healthy and strong. If you haven’t seen us in a while, schedule your appointment today.