In order for brushing your teeth to be a truly effective habit, it must be a daily routine performed when you wake up in the morning, after every meal and then again right before going to bed. Regularity is a determining factor in maintaining oral health, since dental biofilm continuously builds up, and the only way to avoid its harmful effects is by removing it from the oral cavity. Proper technique is also crucial. If brushing is not performed adequately, it does not accomplish its purpose and, even worse, it can be harmful to your teeth and irritate your gums. You can always ask your dentist for help.
Take care of your teeth throughout your lifetime
Proper oral hygiene must start during the first month of life. The first tooth appears around the sixth month. At this age the use of a brush or dental floss is not necessary, but it is advisable to clean your baby´s teeth and gums with wet gauze after giving the baby his/her bottle or any type of food. For optimum development of baby's teeth and in order for your baby to become familiar with healthy oral hygiene habits, it is a good idea to visit the paediatric dentist on a regular basis.
At age 6, children have the ability to rinse out their mouths, and their teeth start to fall out. Therefore, using a children's tooth gel together with a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable. Parents must show their children how to brush properly and make them aware of the importance of the daily oral hygiene.
Proper oral hygiene must start during the first month of life. The first tooth appears around the sixth month. At this age the use of a brush or dental floss is not necessary, but it is advisable to clean your baby´s teeth and gums with wet gauze after giving the baby his/her bottle or any type of food. For optimum development of baby's teeth and in order for your baby to become familiar with healthy oral hygiene habits, it is a good idea to visit the paediatric dentist on a regular basis.
At age 6, children have the ability to rinse out their mouths, and their teeth start to fall out. Therefore, using a children's tooth gel together with a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable. Parents must show their children how to brush properly and make them aware of the importance of the daily oral hygiene.
In their teens your children have already adopted regular oral hygiene habits – brushing at least three times per day. They have graduated to an adult toothbrush and toothpaste. Now interproximal cleaning is important for complete oral hygiene.
Adults need to maintain optimum oral hygiene habits and visit the dentist regularly throughout their lives. This should even increase with age. As one grows older, the production and secretion of saliva decreases, meaning that saliva's function of stabilizing the pH of the mouth (acidity level) might be affected. This can be solved by using specific toothpaste for Dry Mouth and a whole range of products that can help slow down the oral aging process.
Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino
