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When it comes to your family's health, it is important to understand the unique needs of each family member during every stage of life. From expectant mothers and children to adults and seniors, it is important to understand how you can maintain optimal oral health throughout each stage of life. The key to keeping a bright, healthy smile throughout adulthood is to practice proper oral hygiene. Even adults can get cavities, as well as gum disease, so throughout your life, it is important to pay close attention to your mouth. Pregnancy and Children Expectant mothers can give their children a head start by eating an array of healthy foods and taking calcium supplements while pregnant. Taking folic acid supplements may also decrease the risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip and palate. After the baby's birth, parents should wipe the infant's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings, as this helps prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth come in, typically at six months old, parents can use a soft children's toothbrush twice a day to clean the teeth and gum line, where decay starts. Women and Tooth Care Women have special needs when it comes to their oral health because the physical changes they undergo through life cause many changes in the body, some harmful to teeth and gums. Lesions and ulcers, dry sockets, as well as swollen gums, can sometimes occur during surges in a woman's hormone levels. These periods would be a prime time to visit your dentist in Bradenton. Birth control pills have also been shown to increase the risk of gingivitis, and hormone replacement therapy has been shown to cause bleeding and swollen gums. Additionally, gum disease can also present a higher risk for premature births. Some research has also shown that women may be more likely to develop dry mouth, eating disorders, jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint disorders, and facial pain - all of which can be difficult from a physical and emotional standpoint. Taking care of your oral health is essential, and can go a long way to helping you face the physical changes in your body over the years. Adults and Their Dental Health Nearly one-third of adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection is important because tooth decay is often painless and can be picked up only during a dental exam. A visible sign of the separate dental problem of periodontal disease is loss of bone around the teeth and requires a dentist's intervention as well. Seniors and Oral Health More and more people are avoiding the need for dentures as they grow older, going against the notion that false teeth are a normal part of growing older. In fact, there is usually no reason for you not to keep your teeth your entire life, providing you maintain a health balanced diet and practice good oral hygiene. Another desirable side effect of good oral hygiene includes avoiding more serious problems such as: * Hypertension
* Cardiovascular disease
* Diabetes
* Stroke Medical research is beginning to show that a health mouth equates to a healthy body and a longer life. Even with your natural teeth intact as a senior, it is still important to visit your dentist in Bradenton regularly, as they are at increased risk of developing throat and oral cancers.
West Shore Dentistry is owned and operated by Dr. Rajiv Motwani, dentist in Bradenton. Devoted to the most comprehensive and preventative patient care, West Shore Dentistry provides patients with services such as implants, veneers and teeth whitening in Bradenton.
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