A dentist is an oral health care provider that a person should see from babyhood to adulthood.
Some specialists may need to be seen during a lifetime of dental needs, but here is a basic timeline that will guide you on the steps to lifelong dental wellness.
- 0 to 6 months old: Even infants need oral health care.
Teeth may not have appeared yet, but parents should still wipe their babies' gums after each feeding.
It's also wise to avoid getting into the habit of putting the baby to sleep with a bottle.
- First year of life: During the first year of life, the first teeth appear.
The most common initial eruptions are of the bottom incisors.
Following these two are the corresponding pair of upper incisors.
The exact month varies greatly and can happen anywhere between two months and one-plus year.
The most common timeframe is from three to nine months old.
Tooth brushing should be performed by the parents with a tiny amount of toothpaste and a soft brush.
Weaning from the bottle usually takes place by the end of the first year.
- Preschool years: By the time a child enters kindergarten, he or she should begin to brush and floss his or her own teeth with a bit of assistance.
Lessons should be given to the youngster regarding how to brush and how much toothpaste should be used.
Too much fluoride in this oral hygiene product can cause spots on the enamel from a condition called fluorosis.
Routine dental check ups should begin during the preschool years.
- School age children: By the age of seven or eight, a school age child should be able to brush his or her own teeth without help.
Flossing should be performed daily as well.
The dentist should be a familiar practitioner in the child's life by now; the two of them have hopefully developed a friendly relationship.
It's best to have happy dental memories before any serious work has to be done.
There will less chances of fears and phobias if a healthy foundation has been laid.
- Early orthodontic attention: Kids as young as seven years old may benefit from seeing an orthodontist before full fledged braces must be worn.
Some earlier preventative measures may minimize the amount of work which must be done later.
- Braces during the teen years: Braces come in an array of colors and styles.
So many teenagers end up wearing braces to straighten their smiles that the customization options have become nearly endless.
Colorful, clear or removable - you name it, teens will be able to find the style that works for them.
- Cosmetic dentistry in later years: If there are any flaws such as snaggle-tooth smiles, discoloration on the enamel, yellowed appearance, missing teeth or any other unsightly problem, cosmetics may be the answer.
For older teens through adult patients, there is an array of options for beautifying their teeth.
Annually or every six months, every patient, no matter what their age, should see his or her dentist.
A thorough cleaning and preventative check-ups will keep smiles white, bright and cavity-free.