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Dental Health

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Adults

Practicing good oral hygiene is the key to maintaining good overall health, especially as we get older. In recent years, bacterial inflammation involved in gum disease has been linked to chronic health problems like stroke, coronary artery disease and premature, low birth-weight babies. Our doctors and hygienists take great care to identify and treat gum disease early to keep you and your mouth healthy.

There are a number of things you can do to help protect your smile and your overall health. Visiting your dentist regularly, at least twice a year, allows us to thoroughly clean your teeth and recognize any potential problems early (i.e. cavities, gingivitis, etc.) before they become more serious.  Dental exams give us insight on whether the patient is getting proper nutrition, maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen and whether there are any growth or development problems.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you are practicing good oral hygiene at home:

  • Brush at least three times a day using a fluoridated toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
  • Avoid smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products

By following the above steps, you can help prevent such common problems like cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, oral cancer, as well as more serious diseases that affect your overall health like heart disease and diabetes.

Children

   Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of starting children early with good dental hygiene and oral care. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America, affecting a significant percentage of children and adolescents. Early treatment prevents problems that can impact a child's health, well-being, self-image, and overall achievement.

  The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that oral health problems lead to a substantial loss of school hours and restricted activity days each year. This has a significant impact on academic performance, leading the Surgeon General to prioritize children's oral health.

   As a parent, you play a key role in ensuring your children practice good dental hygiene from infancy. The American Dental Hygiene Association recommends the following oral care routine for children:

* Thoroughly clean your infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant cloth to stimulate the gum tissue and remove food.

* Gently brush your baby's erupted teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

* Teach your child proper brushing techniques around age 2 or 3, and later teach them brushing and gentle flossing about age 7 or 8.

* Schedule regular dental visits to check for cavities in the primary teeth and for possible developmental problems.

* Encourage your child to discuss any fears they may have about oral health visits, but avoid using words like "pain" or "hurt."

* Determine if your home's water supply is fluoridated; if not, discuss supplement options with your dentist or hygienist.

* Ask your dentist or hygienist about sealant applications to protect your child's teeth and about bottle tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids.

By following the above steps, you can help set the ground work for your child to develop and keep healthy oral habits for life.