In recognition of World Oral Health Day, Delta Dental offers advice for each stage of life.
Children:
- First dental visit: Children should visit the dentist before their first birthday or when they get their first tooth – whichever comes first.
- Care for babies’ gums: Wipe the baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or moistened gauze, and switch to a baby toothbrush once their teeth have completely erupted.
- Pacifiers: Restrict pacifier use to when the baby needs to fall asleep; Look for a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield, and always clean the pacifier before giving it to a child. It is recommended that pacifiers be discontinued by age two since prolonged use can harm teeth and gums.
- Sealants: Talk to your dentist about whether sealants may be the right option for your child’s teeth
Adults:
- Teeth whitening: Many DIY whitening methods involve the use of unsafe chemicals, unorthodox materials, or are just plain dangerous. Be wary of things that seem too good to be true.
- Pregnancy: Aside from coming up with an oral health plan for your pregnancy, your dentist can help you navigate being at higher risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral growths
- Brushing and flossing: Brush for at least two full minutes, twice per day and floss daily
Seniors:
- Overall health: Your dentist can often spot the first warning signs of health issues like leukemia, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Listening to your body: Staying mindful of discomfort and then alerting the appropriate health professional – can save you from financial and physical distress
- Gum disease: By knowing the warning signs of gum disease, you can avoid the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss. Preventive measures include healthy eating and not smoking
- Retirement: Medicare dental coverage is limited. If dental coverage is out of your budget, work with your dental provider to understand pricing or use your local health department to find cost-effective options in your area
The oral health actions and precautions you take will have a long-lasting effect on dental wellness throughout your life. For more expert tips, visit Delta Dental’s wellness resource library.
You can help your clients meet the needs of any life stage through CoPower’s full suite of Delta Dental plans.
For more information, contact:
Rodney Mattos
CoPower Regional Sales Manager
Email: rmattos@copower.com
Phone: 916.261.9280
Schedule an Appointment with Rodney
or
Jason Diffenauer
CoPower Sales Account Manager
Email: jdiffenauer@copower.com
Phone: 650.931.1731
Schedule a meeting with Jason