Oral hygiene advice for every age group, from young children to elders

See how the proper oral hygiene techniques can help preserve healthy teeth and gums for various age groups.

People of all ages should practice good dental hygiene. Nonetheless, a person’s age and developmental stage may affect how they approach dental care. All age groups have different dental needs that call for specialized care and consideration, including infants, kids, teens, adults, and seniors. The same way that we change, so do our teeth, so should our oral hygiene regimen. It is essential for maintaining our health and well-being. You may take measures to make sure that you and the people you care about retain healthy teeth and gums throughout your lives by being aware of the various methods to oral care at various stages of life.

Discover a few of the top oral hygiene techniques for various age groups and how they can help preserve strong teeth and healthy gums.

1. New Born babies  (0-12 months old)

• After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cotton cloth.
• Avoid giving your child a bottle or sippy cup before bed because it can cause tooth decay.
• Infant brushes or finger brushes can be used to clean gums in addition to teeth, whether or not your baby has developed teeth.
• Fluoride-free toothpaste with xylitol is recommended for infants (6 to 36 months) as it offers bacterial defence, preventing cavities.

2. Children (3-10 years old)

• Urge your youngster to use fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth twice a day.
• Encourage your youngster to floss once every day to get rid of plaque and food bits stuck in between teeth.
• To promote strong teeth and gums, make sure your child eats a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
• Take your kid to the dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups.

3. Teenagers (10-15 years old)

• Urge your teen to keep up with regular brushing and flossing.
• Discuss with your teen the value of avoiding meals and beverages that are high in sugar and acid since they can harm teeth.
• Using fluoride toothpaste on a regular basis will assist to strengthen the enamel.
• Since xylitol cannot be broken down by bacteria, it prevents cavities when used in toothpaste.

4. Grownups (18-64 years old)

• Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice per day, and floss your teeth at least once daily.
• Reduce your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, which can lead to tooth erosion and decay.
• See your dentist on a regular basis for examinations and cleanings and to talk about any oral health concerns you may have.

5. Elderly people (65 years and older)

• Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice day, and floss every day.
• Drink enough of water to keep your mouth moist and avoid dry mouth, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
• If your medication regimen changes, let your dentist know as some drugs can lead to oral health issues including dry mouth.
• Speak with your dentist about any worries you may have regarding oral health and ageing, such as tooth loss.
• If you wear dentures, it’s crucial to brush them with a denture brush and use toothpaste designed for dentures to remove any plaque buildup.

In essence, maintaining good dental health is crucial at all ages, and there are particular activities you may take to achieve this. You may help prevent dental issues and maintain your smile’s health and radiance by following these recommendations.