Taking good care of your mouth and teeth throughout your whole life canhelp prevent problems as you get older. Taking care of your teeth meansbrushing and flossing every day and seeing the dentist regularly.
Infants and children
The first set of teeth is already almost completely formed atbirth. At first these teeth are "hiding" under the gums. These teethare important, because after they come in, they let your baby chewfood, make a nice smile and talk well. You baby's first set of teethalso holds the space where permanent teeth will eventually be. Theyhelp permanent teeth grow in straight.
You can care for your baby's teeth by following these suggestions:
* Clean the new teeth every day. When the teeth first come in,clean them by rubbing them gently with a clean wet washcloth. When theteeth are bigger, use a child's toothbrush.
* Children under 2 years of age shouldn't use toothpaste. Instead, use water to brush your child's teeth.
* Don't let your baby go to sleep with a bottle. This can leavemilk or juice sitting on the teeth and cause cavities that are known as"baby-bottle tooth decay."
* Encourage older children to eat low-sugar snacks, such asfruits, cheese and vegetables. Avoid giving your child sticky, chewycandy.
* Teach your children how to brush their teeth and the importance of keeping their teeth clean.
* Take your children to the dentist regularly. The American DentalAssociation recommends that children see their dentist starting at 1year of age.
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Teens
Taking good care of your mouth and teeth will help you havepleasant breath, a nice smile and fewer cavities. Here are some simplethings you can do:
* Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth at least once a day.
* Don't smoke or chew tobacco, which can stain your teeth, give you bad breath and cause cancer.
* Wear the right protective headgear while playing contact sports.
* See your dentist every year for regular check-ups and cleanings.
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Adults
Continuing good mouth and tooth care as an adult can help you avoidtooth loss, painful gums or other problems. Here are some helpfulthings you can do:
* Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth at least once a day.
* Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
* Ask your doctor if your medicines have side effects that mightdamage your teeth. (For example, some medicines may cause you to have adry mouth.)
* Look inside your mouth regularly for sores that don't heal, irritated gums or other changes.
* See your dentist regularly.
If you have any problems with your teeth or concerns about your mouth, see your doctor or dentist right away.
