03 Feb The Importance of Dental Care for the Whole Family
From babies to seniors, every member of your family needs dental care. It’s never too early or too late to start taking better care of your teeth and gums. And visiting the dentist twice a year is a must at any age! Here’s how our family dentists can help everyone from preschoolers to grandparents stay healthy.
Dental Health Tips for All Ages
Infants and Preschoolers
Wiping your baby’s gums once a day removes milk residue and helps get rid of oral bacteria, yeast and viruses. It also helps get rid of stinky milk breath!
After they cut their first tooth, it’s time to buy their first toothbrush. Brush only with water at first, and after they turn two, you can start using a children’s toothpaste. It’s also time to schedule their first dental checkup! We’ll examine their teeth to make sure they’re coming in correctly, and we’ll check for any signs of decay.
Even though the baby teeth are going to fall out, it’s still important to brush and floss them every day. By doing so, you’re preventing painful cavities and tender gums. Keeping their baby teeth healthy also promotes the healthy development of their permanent teeth.
Remember, the baby teeth are not “practice teeth.” Children need them for proper speech development and for cognitive development as well. Kids that are suffering from tooth pain won’t want to eat healthy, crunchy foods or concentrate on learning activities.
Kids and Teens
Once their permanent teeth have grown in, kids need to understand that they’ll have these teeth for the rest of their lives. Check in to make sure they’re brushing and flossing correctly. Even if they’re brushing often enough and long enough, they might still be missing some of the hard-to-reach areas.
Warn your kids against bad habits like sugary drinks and vaping. Not only does vaping turn the teeth yellow, and it also causes dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. And if your teen is reaching for a soda or an energy drink to quench their thirst, all that sugar will only make things worse.
For many kids, their late teens mean it’s time for treatments like Invisalign, braces or a wisdom tooth extraction. Others can wait until they’re young adults, but it’s often a good idea to schedule these treatments while your kids are still covered by your insurance.
Young Adults and Adults
If you didn’t get your teeth straightened when you were a teen, it’s not too late. Invisalign was designed for adults who want a discreet way to perfect their smiles. And if your teeth have started to yellow, whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments can restore brilliance to your smile.
And don’t let yourself get so busy that you neglect your dental health. Keep up with daily brushing and flossing, and don’t skip your dentist appointments. Going to the dentist every six months is the best way to make sure little problems don’t turn into big ones.
Some people think that if they were cavity-free at the last checkup, they can skip the next one. Others avoid going to the dentist because it’s been so long since their last appointment they’re afraid they might need extensive dental work. If it’s been a while for you, don’t worry—things are probably not as bad as you expect.
Seniors
As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to dental diseases. It’s important to continue going to the dentist for exams, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings.
Without proper care, teeth can become chipped, broken, and even fall out. Missing and broken teeth can cause issues with chewing and speaking. It can also cause other teeth to shift. This can lead to problems with self-confidence, along with the pain of deteriorating teeth.
And unfortunately, problems like chronic gum disease and tooth loss can make other health problems worse. For instance, gum disease has been linked to diabetes as well as heart disease. So don’t be afraid to get the dental work you need! Keeping your mouth healthy helps keep your whole body healthy, and repairing your smile will restore your confidence.
Fine, I’ll start brushing more often. But do I really need to go to the dentist?
Yes! There are many things that your dentist and dental hygienist do that you cannot do at home.
- Detailed cleanings: Your hygienist will use tools like a dental scraper or water pick (think pressure washer for your teeth) to clean them.
- Dental x-rays: We’ll check underneath the gumline to ensure your teeth are healthy through and through.
- Restorations: Treatments like fillings, crowns, and dental implants can save damaged teeth and restore full function.
Family Dentist in Prescott
Here at Hicks Dental Group, we understand the importance of dental care for the whole family. As a family-owned business, we also understand how hectic it is to get everything done. Schedule your 2026 appointments now! If you are looking for dental care in the Prescott area, contact Hicks Dental today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/3/2026). Photo by Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer on Unsplash.