Oral health is essential for people of all ages. Healthy gums and teeth mean a striking smile that reflects good well-being. Caring for the mouth and teeth starts at home to ensure your family’s dental health is at its best.

Oral Care 101

Your family dentist wants to make oral hygiene simpler and more enjoyable for everyone, the kids included. Having a healthy mouth and teeth means a happier, healthier, and more confident person in general. Here are some tips to ensure the oral health of your family:

1. Ensure Proper Brushing And Flossing

The manner, duration, and frequency of brushing and flossing are crucial. To make sure your mouth is properly cleaned and avoid gum disease and cavities, there are certain techniques you should know. Keep in mind the following:

• Add fluoride toothpaste to your soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Scrub the front and back of your teeth in a circular motion.
• Don’t forget to brush the roof of your mouth and tongue.
• Rinse mouth thoroughly.
• Brush at least twice every day.
• Brush for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss at least once every day. Take a string of floss or floss pic and run it up and down on the sides of each of your teeth. Ensure you reach into the gum line.

Tooth decay and gum disease are still big problems today, especially for younger people. For more protection, here are additional things to remember:

• Change your toothbrushes at least three times per year.
• People with braces may need a special toothbrush and other tools for proper brushing. 

2. Use Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush comes with a rotating brush head for easy removal of plaque from teeth. Although these may be pricier compared to regular toothbrushes, they’re considered to be worth the investment over time. For a cheaper alternative, you may start with a battery-operated toothbrush. 

Also, older people or those with arthritis may find it difficult to use a regular toothbrush, and an electric toothbrush should be helpful.

3. Start Children Early

Dental problems are common among young children with many of them having cavities and tooth decay. Caring for the teeth should start as soon as the first tooth appears, which usually happens at six months of age. 

As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, you can wipe them with a clean, damp cloth. You can also use a very soft brush designed for infants. At the age of two, you can let your kids start brushing their teeth with your supervision. It’s recommended for parents to guide their children in brushing their teeth until they reach the age of six.

4. Make Oral Hygiene Fun

For some, dental care is boring, so make brushing fun for the kids. The best way to do this is to brush your teeth together. Gather in the bathroom, put some music they love, and brush together. Other things to make oral hygiene fun are the following:

• Allow your children to choose their toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste.
• Let them watch a two-minute video while they’re brushing.
• Give them weekly rewards for consistently brushing.

5. Less Sugar, More Fruits, And Veggies

Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay. Although it’s impossible for most to give up refined sugar completely, you may consider reducing consumption. Not only will this benefit your teeth but this will also improve your overall health. 

A diet that includes whole, unprocessed foods is best for maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. Fruits and vegetables like broccoli and apples can naturally scrub teeth, helping remove bacteria while you’re eating them. 

Include nuts, grains, and dairy products into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, mostly found in fish, can help minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of gum disease. To improve your oral and general well-being, ensure you have the following nutrients in your diet:

• Calcium
• Vitamins A, C, D, and K
• Phosphorus
• Potassium

6. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings added to the chewing surfaces of molars or back teeth. These sealants work by preventing decay in the fissures and pits of the teeth. Consult a professional for this option, which is found to reduce dental caries. 

7. Avoid Too Much Fluoride

Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and reduces the chances of tooth decay. Many places have their drinking water fluoridated. Also, most toothpaste comes with fluoride. However, fluoride should be used in small amounts for kids. Ensure you only add a pea-sized amount on their toothbrush since too much fluoride can cause white spots on the teeth. 

8. Stop Bad Habits

Smoking poses plenty of health dangers, including gum and teeth diseases. Smoking or chewing tobacco causes unpleasant dental stains and increases the risk of oral cancer. You should also avoid doing other bad habits such as nail-biting, chewing ice, and using your teeth in opening bottled beverages or plastic containers.

9. Avoid Excessive Whitening

Many people dream of whiter teeth and resort to dental whitening kits. However, too many whitening procedures may cause gum irritation, increased sensitivity, and translucent teeth appearance. Over-the-counter whitening kits are best for removing minor discolorations and stains on the teeth.

For major discoloration, you must talk to your dentist for safe options and for any dental procedures or treatments you need.

10. Have Regular Visits To The Dentist

There’s no need to wait for a problem before you schedule an appointment with your dentist. It’s helpful for children and adults to see the dentist at least once every six months. During the regular dental checkup, the dentist will look for signs of gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. The dentist will also remove tartar or plaque on the teeth. Thus, regularly seeing the dentist is crucial to prevent more serious dental problems. 

Some patients, especially those taking multiple medications, have an increased risk for dry mouth. If you take any medications, inform your dentist about them. If you experience dry mouth due to your medication, you may need a change in prescriptions.

Final Thoughts

Most gum diseases and tooth decay can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. By starting your kids early in caring for their mouth, making the process fun, eating healthy, avoiding bad habits, and doing regular dental checkups, you can ensure good oral health for the whole family.