The life of your teeth

 

At Woodcock Lane Dental Care in Stonehouse we firmly believe that your teeth should last you a lifetime.  First and foremost we are a preventive practice, which means our aim is to preserve your natural teeth (and smiles) for the whole of your lives wherever possible.

Caring for your teeth and gums at every stage of your life can help you to keep all of your natural teeth for a lifetime…

0 to 3 years You should begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and an adult-sized handle, combined with a suitable toothpaste containing the right amount of fluoride for your child’s age

3 to 7 years All baby teeth are usually present by the age of three.  Your child should now start seeing the dentist regularly to make sure that any potential problems are identified before they develop. Visiting the dental practice from a young age will also help your child to establish a positive relationship with their dentist and their dental team, and get used to the practice environment. It’s also important to continue using the right toothpaste for your child’s age, and supervise brushing until at least the age of six or seven or until you feel your child is doing it properly.

7 to 12 years By the age of seven, adult teeth will have started to come through. You should still supervise your child’s brushing routine to see that they are doing it properly.

12 to 18 years Children should now be mature enough to take responsibility for keeping their own teeth clean. Teeth in this age group are particularly prone to damage caused by sugary drinks consumed between meals as acids from these drinks attack tooth enamel and can cause it to wear away. Therefore it’s better to wait for half an hour before brushing after eating or drinking, to allow saliva to naturally neutralise the acid which softens the tooth enamel.

18 to 50 years Many adults will suffer from a form of gum disease at some stage of their lives. There are two main types: gingivitis and periodontitis. Of the two, periodontitis is the more serious because it can actually eat away at the jawbone, causing permanent bone loss. The first signs of gum disease are swollen and red gums that bleed easily. Eventually, if left untreated, the gums start to recede and, if you are not careful, you will lose teeth. To reduce the chances of serious gum disease, you should brush and floss your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and see your dentist regularly to monitor your oral health.

50 plus Some teeth may show signs of damage because they have been worn down by general wear, grinding and over-brushing. Continue to avoid sugary sweets and drinks and flossing is even more important from now on.

Following a preventive approach to your oral health, means you are unlikely to need unexpected and potentially costly treatment in the future, keeping your teeth and gums healthy for the rest of your life.