Dental Health Tracking Tips from Warner Lakes Dental
As the beginning of August rolls around, Warner Lakes Dental would like to note that it also brings Australia’s Dental Health Week.
Dental Health Week (5th-11th, this year) is dedicated to the idea that all Australians should pay more attention to their oral hygiene and dental health.
Each year, Dental Health Week takes a theme intended to help the public understand one aspect of oral hygiene or dental health, within the broader context of overall health.
In the past, themes have included, “Watch Your Mouth”, oral hygiene for women, dental care and sports, how diet affects your oral health, and oral health and sugar.
This year, the theme is “How’s Your Oral Health Tracking”. This is an attempt to make us consider if we’re ‘on track’ with our oral hygiene if we are keeping proper track of it?
Warner Lakes Dental would like to note that these tracking issues are particularly important for two age groups, the very young and the very old.
The very young and old may have less hectic schedules than many of us. But they also have specific issues that come with their ages that make them more susceptible to ‘losing track’ of their oral health.
So, let’s take a look at the tracking issues specific to the young and old.
Tracking Children’s Dental Health
Children need to learn good oral hygiene habits, and getting them on track and getting them to track their progress can be difficult.
The good news is that Dental Health Week presents an opportunity to get them, well, “on track”! Use the materials on the ADA website to instruct your child.
Download printable and colourful posters that contain simple information helpful for children.
Topics include general oral hygiene and two discussing the dangers of children’s drinks, including highly acid and highly sugared ones.
This is particularly important as studies show that most Australian children consume far too much sugar.
The website also contains helpful hints for parents as to how to treat children who are learning the process of oral hygiene:
- Begin at-home oral hygiene by brushing your child’s gums.
- Don’t swallow toothpaste or rinse out the mouth with water.
- Don’t use too much toothpaste. A ‘pea-sized’ dollop is all you need.
- Make brushing entertaining with songs, videos, or smartphone apps that make it easy for your child to brush for two minutes.
- Focus on positivity when visiting the dentist. Praise your child for following instructions or acting well.
- If your child has their pen licence? They can probably handle brushing by themselves.
Be certain that your children develop good dental habits from the start. By planning and tracking your children’s oral hygiene, you set them on the path to a lifetime of better health.
Keeping Seniors on Track
Seniors have a different set of problems. Most often they know what to do to stay on track, but with age comes reduced ability to stay on track and remember what has, or should be, done.
Aging reduces our ability to fight bacteria growth, infection, decay, and other oral issues. Furthermore, minor problems can quickly ramp up to become major ones.
A long list of minor problems can become major:
- Dry mouth
- Diminished sense of taste
- Root decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Uneven jawbone/teeth
- Oral lesions
The increased threat that these problems represent is caused by two more significant trends related to aging.
Reduced hygiene. Dexterity limitations associated with aging can make brushing and flossing more difficult and less effective.
Loss of insurance or wages can bring economic issues to dental care that previously didn’t exist. Reduced ability to get transportation can make ‘routine’ visits to Warner Lakes Dental more difficult.
Common memory problems of old age, such as dementia, can make it more difficult to track of oral hygiene.
For these reasons, seniors and retirees should keep close track of their dental habits, and if they cannot do so, their loved ones or caregivers do it for them.
So, Keep on Tracking!
Dental Health Week is an excellent chance for you to take stock of your children and elder loved ones to ensure that they are on track for oral health.
Help them achieve a big, attractive smile, and teeth (or restorations) that let them smile, eat a healthy diet, and live happily.
If you have any questions, Warner Lakes Dental is happy to help you “get on track”!
The Warner Lakes Dental Care Experience
Warner Lakes Dental wants your visit to be the most efficient and convenient dental experience possible. From the parking lot to the exit, we make the entire process as painless and straightforward as possible.
From simple check-ups and cleans to root canals, extractions, and cosmetic treatment; Warner Lakes Dental is your partner in dental health.
We want you and your family to enjoy life with a stunning smile and a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums!
Warner dentist also serves the local communities in Whiteside, Cashmere, Bray Park, Albany Creek, Brendale, Strathpine, Joyner, Griffin, Lawnton, and Petrie.
For more information, call us on (07) 3448 0162 or request your appointment online.
We are located at Warner Lakes Medical Precinct, 1185B Old North Road in Warner.
