At Southern Maine Oral Surgery, we care for patients of all ages. And if treated with care, the teeth that we are born with can last us a lifetime! Although the basics of oral health remain the same no matter your age – brushing, flossing, and rinsing – each stage of life requires specific techniques and considerations to achieve a lifelong, natural smile. Read on to learn more about oral health at every age.
Oral Health for Babies (0-2 years of age): Proper oral hygiene starts even before we have teeth! Parents can follow these tips to get their children on the oral hygiene train straight away.
An infant’s gums should be cleaned after feeding by gently massaging them with a soft, moistened washcloth.
Babies typically begin teething between 4 and 6 months, which will result in discomfort for the baby. Parents can give their baby a chilled, clean teething ring or cold, wet washcloth to chew on, in order to relieve this pain.
As soon as teeth emerge, they can be brushed! Parents can use a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush with no paste to brush their baby’s tooth/teeth once a day.
Parents should schedule their baby’s first dental exam with a pediatric dentist within 6 months of their first tooth emerging.
Oral Health for Children (2-12 years of age): Just because “Baby Teeth” aren’t permanent doesn’t mean they’re not valuable! Childhood cavities can have long-term consequences for a child’s gum health, future teeth, jawbones–as well as their emotional association with the dentist.
Starting at 2 years old, children should use a pea-size amount of non-fluoride “training” toothpaste to brush twice a day.
After spending some time learning proper brushing technique (no swallowing toothpaste!), children ages 8 and older can switch to a fluoridated toothpaste.
As soon as your child’s teeth touch, they can be flossed! Start out by helping your child floss once a day!
Children should be seeing a pediatric dentist every six months, or as recommended by their healthcare provider. It’s important for children to understand that seeing a dentist regularly is normal and necessary! Parents should be comfortable “shopping” around for a pediatric dentist they and their children feel confident and happy to see.
Oral Health for Teens and Adults (13 - 65 years of age): Much of caring for permanent, adult teeth builds off the habits and skills learned in childhood. However, it’s never too late to start a healthy oral care routine! Teens and adults who didn’t experience much dental care in their childhood can still pick up their toothbrush and find a dentist! These basic tips cover most oral healthcare throughout adulthood.
Brush, floss, and rinse teeth twice a day, using a fluoridated toothpaste and an antiseptic mouthwash.
Be sure to visit the dentist twice a year for routine cleanings, exams, and x-rays.
Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
Limit your intake of alcohol and sugary drinks, and be sure to drink at least 64 oz of water a day.
Oral Health for Seniors (65+ years of age): Even if you’ve taken diligent care of your teeth for six decades, advanced age presents some new challenges for every mouth:
Darkening Teeth: After a lifetime of eating and drinking, your enamel can thin, revealing the darker-colored dentin (the bone-like tissue that lies underneath the enamel of the tooth). Ask your dentist about possible solutions.
Root Decay: Over a lifetime, it is natural for gums to recede a bit. The resulting exposed root is unprotected by enamel, and can begin to decay. Ask your dentist about possible solutions such as gum grafts or enamel sealants.
Uneven Jawbone: Although it isn’t uncommon for a person to lose one or more permanent teeth over their lifetime, the resulting space should ideally be filled with dental implants. Dental implants include a screw-like “root” that interacts with the jawbone like a natural tooth root. This interaction is essential to keep the jawbone whole; without a root, the jawbone is likely to decay. Ask your dentist for more solutions for missing teeth!
Team SMOMS values the opportunity to serve our patients in any stage of their oral healthcare life. And no matter your age, one universal commandment of oral healthcare remains the same: clean your mouth after eating! With daily, conscientious care, frequent visits to your dentist, and visits to dental specialists (such as orthodontists, periodontists, or oral surgeons) when needed, your natural teeth can last a lifetime!
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