Brushing Through the Ages: Oral Hygiene Across Generations

Oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment, evolving with us from the early days of baby teeth to the golden years. As we navigate through different stages of life, our dental care needs change, and understanding these shifts is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Let’s explore the differences between brushing your teeth as an infant, toddler, child, adult, and in old age.

Cleaning the Oral Cavity of an Infant

Frequency and Technique:

As an infant (from birth to about one year old), the goal is to keep the gums clean on a regular basis (some infants are born with teeth). This can be accomplished by simply using a clean, damp cloth and gently rubbing the gums, and teeth if present, to remove any and all debris on them. Generally, this should be done once a day.

Brushing For Toddlers

Frequency and Technique:

Brushing the teeth of toddlers (ages one through three years old) should be accomplished by using a very small, soft toothbrush and a pea-sized portion of toothpaste without fluoride (in case the child swallows the toothpaste).

Once the child understands not to swallow the toothpaste and spits it out once they are done brushing, fluoride toothpaste can be introduced. Brushing should take approximately two minutes. Flossing is needed in areas where the teeth begin making contact. Hand-held dental flossers for kids are great for this task. The parent(s) must be the one to deliver this care until the child demonstrates the ability to do this competently on their own (generally between the ages of six and nine), but will still have to be supervised for quite some time after this.

Brushing should take place after feeding, in the morning and evening. Avoid having the child sip juice and/or milk before taking a nap or at bedtime as this can cause dental cavities on their teeth. Generally, anything sweet to the taste can cause dental cavities and the teeth should be brushed after these are ingested.

Brushing For Children: Building Habits For A Lifetime

Frequency and Technique:

In our youth, the focus is on establishing good oral hygiene habits. Children often start with smaller, soft brushes and require supervision to ensure they’re brushing for the recommended two minutes with a small ribbon of fluoride toothpaste. Emphasizing technique and making brushing a fun routine can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental practices.

Flossing between all teeth contacts is equally important. The child should be transitioning to adult-type dental floss during this time with the help of the parent(s) and should be supervised for some time after this to ensure this technique is done properly and becomes a healthy part of their daily oral care.

Brushing and flossing should be done twice a day; in the morning after eating breakfast and in the evening after eating dinner. Watch the intake of fruit and sugary snacks (refined carbohydrates) as this can cause dental cavities.

Learning Through Play:

Younger individuals are often more receptive to educational tools like toothbrushes with favorite characters or apps that make brushing an interactive experience. The goal is to make dental care enjoyable while instilling the importance of maintaining healthy teeth.

Brushing For Adults

Frequency and Technique:

As an adult, most should be brushing twice daily. Once in the morning after breakfast and once after dinner. Brushing should be accomplished for two minutes each time by using a small ribbon of fluoride toothpaste (to make the teeth less susceptible to tooth decay) and a soft toothbrush (to protect the gums). Brushing the top of the tongue can also play a role in reducing bad breath. Flossing between all tooth contacts is equally as important as up to 30-40% of the total tooth surfaces in your mouth are located between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.

Some people can be more susceptible to getting cavities (genetically and/or environmentally, and possibly epigenetically), and prescription fluoride may be recommended. Some people get sensitivity on their teeth near the gums which can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter sensitive toothpaste and sometimes using prescription toothpaste and/or prescription chemical adjuncts.

No matter how good your technique is, problems will likely still arise (gum disease, cavities, etc.) and having regular dental check-ups is strongly encouraged to try to catch the problem while it is small and more easily treatable.

Brushing in Old Age: Navigating Changing Needs

Gentle Care:

As we age, our teeth and gums may become more sensitive. Using a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush becomes crucial to prevent damage. The focus shifts to gentle care, ensuring that the toothbrushing process remains effective without causing discomfort.

Older adults often lose bone around their teeth due to periodontal disease (gum problems around the teeth). This causes the spaces between the teeth at the gumline to become larger. This makes it more difficult to keep clean and can cause cavities to develop in this area as well as increased bone loss if not thoroughly cleaned daily. Various home care aids can be used to help control this problem, such as a waterpik and proxabrushes.

Our salivary production can decrease (e.g. through medications, cancer treatments, etc.), which makes use more susceptible to cavities at the gumline of the teeth (called root caries) and/or periodontal disease. Over-the-counter products (e.g. Biotene) and prescription fluoride or chemical adjuncts can be very helpful in controlling this problem as well as more frequent visits to the dentist for check-ups.

Adapting to Changes:

Older individuals may face challenges such as arthritis or diminished dexterity, making it essential to choose adaptive tools like electric toothbrushes or brushes with larger grips. These modifications help maintain independence in oral care. And others may develop diminished cognitive abilities/diseases, which may require the need of a caregiver.

Oral Hygiene as a Gateway to Overall Well-being:

In old age, oral hygiene is not just about teeth; it’s a gateway to overall well-being. Conditions like dry mouth or medications can impact oral hygiene, requiring a tailored approach. Regular dental check-ups become even more critical to address issues promptly. Become proactive and learn more about preventative dentistry techniques.

Introducing the Caring.com Guide for Senior Oral Health

Navigating the nuances of oral health in your senior years? Explore Caring.com’s guide to a healthy mouth for seniors. This comprehensive resource covers everything from assessing oral health risks to practical tips for maintaining a healthy smile in your golden years.

Enhance Your Oral Care Journey: Bringing Wisdom to Your Smile

Whether you’re guiding a young one through the early stages of dental care or seeking insights to maintain a vibrant smile in your later years, adapting your oral hygiene routine is key. Embrace the changes, prioritize regular dental visits, and don’t be afraid to explore resources like the Caring.com guide to enrich your oral care journey through every age and stage of life. Your smile deserves a lifetime of care, and with the right knowledge, you can ensure it shines brightly at every turn.