Dental care is an important part of overall health and well-being, and it's never too early to start. In fact, preventative dental care from a young age has a massive impact on oral health and can help prevent serious dental problems later in life. In this blog post, we'll discuss why preventative dental care is so important and how you can get started.
Why is Preventative Dental Care from a Young Age Important?
At Waterways Dental we're all about preventative care. This includes making sure that our team documents all the kinds of important information that help us gain a 360-degree view of how your oral health is tracking during each visit. This also entails creating your recall appointments in advance. Regular dental check-ups and cleans can identify and address any oral health issues whilst they're small – and actively help you avoid dental issues turning into larger and more costly problems down the track.
Taking care of your teeth from a young age is particularly important because it sets the foundation for good oral health later in life. Poor dental habits as a child can lead to serious dental problems as an adult, including tooth loss and gum disease. In addition, poor dental health can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being, leading to issues such as chronic pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, and even contributing towards mental health issues.
How to Start with Preventative Dental Care
Starting preventative dental care from a young age is easy, and it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Here are some tips to get started:
- Visit a Dentist/Oral Health Therapist regularly: Regular dental check-ups are key to maintaining good oral health. Your clinician can identify potential problems early on and provide recommendations for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By visiting the Dentist/Oral Health Therapist from a young age, this will hopefully give your child fun, happy memories of the dentist. Occasionally we find people wait until their child has a sore tooth, resulting in needing to have dental treatment and the child associating the dentist with a bad experience.
- Brush and floss daily: Daily brushing and flossing are essential for removing plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums. Make sure to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in sugar and processed foods, can help promote good oral health.
- Protect teeth during sports: If you or your child plays sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect teeth from injury. Custom-fitted mouth-guards are the ideal option, compared to chemist-bought mouth-guards.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems. Limit consumption and make sure to brush your teeth after eating.
By following these simple steps, you can help promote good oral health from a young age and prevent dental problems later in life.
Here at Waterways Dental, our Oral Health Therapists are what we call “Kid Whisperers”. Their goal, along with their Dental Assistant, is to make sure your child is as calm and comfortable as possible. We would love to abolish the stigma surrounding dental visits and start the creation of a generation where no one fears the dentist.
Preventative dental care is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental problems. By starting with good dental habits from a young age, you can set the foundation for healthy teeth and gums for life. Regular dental check-ups, daily brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet are key components of preventative dental care. Make sure to talk to your clinician about any concerns or questions you have about oral health, and always follow their recommendations for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Do you have more questions, get in contact with the team today or call us directly on (07) 5572 6522.