And How to Keep Them
Our amazing teeth come in various shapes and sizes, all designed for each spot in your mouth. These specific differences help us eat, speak and chew. Teeth even make you who you are, so to speak, affecting your facial features and smile.
It Starts After Birth
A healthy baby has twenty tiny teeth that erupt, or come in, around six months of age. Interestingly, this is also about the time a baby begins to show interest in food and “what the adults are eating.” Babies also drool a lot at this time and may be fussy because of teething pain. Throughout childhood, baby teeth, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth, gradually become loose and fall out as each permanent tooth erupts. Most adults have all of their permanent teeth by the age of 21, but many lose their wisdom teeth to extraction because of overcrowding.
Keeping the Teeth
Keeping our teeth and maintaining oral health is a life-long endeavor. Here’s how parents, children and adults can promote keeping their teeth for life!
Baby Oral Care
Monitor your baby’s oral health. When teething begins, teething pain is uncomfortable, but normal. The baby will be intent on putting objects in their mouth to gnaw on and deal with this pain and now desire to chew. Teething rings, teething biscuits and teething gel are all affective methods to help your baby. When teeth erupt, gently wipe them each day with a soft, clean cloth. As more of your baby’s teeth come in, introduce a baby toothbrush to gently brush your baby’s teeth each day. Ask your Placerville dentists about fluoride drops if you are concerned about your baby not getting enough fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride is essential for young teeth so that they develop enamel and are strong.
Childhood Oral Care
Children should have their first dental visit between three to five years of age. A first dental visit and exam is short, simply meant to help children see that the dentist really isn’t scary! Our Placerville dentists and hygienists do what we can to make the visit enjoyable. Visiting the dentist from a young age and learning the importance of oral health equips children with the knowledge needed to keep their teeth for life!
At home, use children’s fluoride toothpaste and a child-size brush for your youngster to brush twice a day. They will likely need supervision to brush — activities and singing songs makes it enjoyable. Introduce daily flossing by using children’s flossers to make it a little easier. Cavities are common at this age, so parents may also want to ask our dentists about sealants for extra protection.
All thirty-two teeth displayed from above, lower teeth on bottom half.
Teenage Dental Health
It can be a challenge for teenagers to maintain oral health. Teenagers crave sodas, chips and other unhealthy snacks. Set a good example by eating a healthy well-balanced diet. Encourage your teenager to stay hydrated with water, not energy drinks or other soft drinks. This limits cavities and other dental complications. If your teenager is self-conscious because their teeth are not straight, feel free to make an appointment for an orthodontics consultation. Daily brushing and flossing is still the foundation for a healthy mouth.
Adult Oral Care
Oral health concerns may change for adults as our diets mature, but brushing, flossing and regular exams at the Placerville Dental Group are still the best way to keep your teeth and have a healthy mouth. As we age, it’s common to experience gum recession and other dental issues. Even if you brush and floss daily, make sure you visit us twice a year to keep these small dental issues from becoming big problems that lead to tooth loss.
The Placerville Dental Group proudly provides dental care for Placerville and the surrounding mountain area. Our dental staff is committed to making the dental visit experience a pleasant and hassle-free experience. Contact us today to make an appointment for yourself or your children and maintain your family’s oral health!
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