Starting dental care early

The mouths of babes: protecting tiny teeth

Why take care of baby teeth? After all, baby teeth fall out before adult teeth come in, right? But there are good reasons to take care of them. Babies need healthy teeth to chew food and speak clearly, and babies’ first teeth are space holders for adult teeth.

Good oral health is important for babies, so keep these tips in mind for healthy baby teeth:

  • Clean your baby’s teeth daily with a baby toothbrush or soft cloth. See a dentist if you notice any stains or spots on teeth.
  • If your drinking water doesn’t contain fluoride, ask your dentist about other fluoride choices to avoid tooth decay.
  • Limit sugary foods. Give fruits and vegetables for snacks.
  • Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
  • Plan a dental visit no later than your baby’s first birthday.

Starting dental care early will give your child a healthy smile for years to come.

History lesson: When parents have a history of tooth decay, their children may be more likely to have cavities. Children can help avoid tooth decay by limiting starchy snacks, brushing and flossing regularly and rinsing with water after eating meals and snacks.
Source: National Institutes of Health

Protecting your smile

Armed to the teeth: Preparing for dental emergencies

No one expects to have a dental emergency. So knowing what to do before something happens could help you save a tooth or reduce harm. Before a dental accident strikes, be ready with these safeguards:

  • If you break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, put a cold pack on the spot and call your dentist right away.
  • For a lost tooth, don’t touch the root. Rinse off (don’t scrub) the root if it’s dirty.
  • Try putting the tooth back in the tooth socket. If you can’t do that, put the tooth in a cup of milk and take it with you to the dentist at once.
  • Use only dental floss to remove objects stuck between your teeth. See your dentist if that doesn’t work.
  • Always wear a mouth guard to protect teeth when playing sports.

Being prepared is the best weapon to help reduce the impact of dental emergencies.

Safekeeping: Keep an emergency dental kit on hand. Include: gauze, a handkerchief, your dentist’s home and office phone numbers, a small container with a lid, and Ibuprofen (not aspirin since it may cause more bleeding in a dental emergency).
Source: Academy of General Dentistry

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a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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Keeping teeth for a lifetime

Tooth wisdom: aging and oral health

Think you can’t keep all of your teeth as you age? Think again. Practicing good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your teeth for a lifetime. However, seniors are more at risk of getting a number of oral diseases. So consider the following facts and take action to protect your teeth and oral health:

  • Periodontal (gum) disease risks go up with age, so be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist.
  • Men tend to have more severe periodontal disease than women.
  • Cancers of the mouth and pharynx are seen more in the elderly.
  • Seniors may have more new decay on tooth crowns and roots than children.
  • Some prescription medicines may cause dry mouth and less saliva can lead to oral disease since saliva helps rebuild tooth enamel.

Whatever your age, be wise and pay attention to your oral health.

Ageless Advice: Sudden changes in taste and smell should not be considered signs of aging, but should be a sign to seek professional care with your doctor or dentist.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Help keep health care costs down by choosing generic drugs

Generic drugs: the prescription for your budget

Both prescription and over-the-counter generic drugs can be less costly than brand-name drugs. Choosing generic drugs means big savings.

Keep these facts in mind, and talk to your doctor about generic options:

  • Brand-name and generic drugs may not look alike, but they are chemically and medically the same.
  • The Food and Drug Administration regulates generic drugs just like brand-name drugs.
  • Generic drugs tend to cost about one-third less than the brand-name equivalent.
Do you find learning about medicines a bit puzzling? If so, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your prescriptions.
Sources: Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs; Federal Drug Administration Program

Make drug safety a habit

Don't share prescription drugs with anyone else. Store your medicines in a place where you'll see them, but make sure they're secure when you have guests. And make sure you throw away any drugs when they are no longer needed.

Following doctor’s orders is the best medicine

Not taking medicine as the doctor has prescribed can get in the way of healing and can lead to more problems with an illness. To stay on track with your medication, here are some useful tips:

  • Know the names of all the medicines you take and what each is used for.
  • Make sure you know how to use your medication correctly and how long you will need to take it.
  • If you are having problems with the drugs you’re taking, talk to your doctor.
  • Keep a record of the drugs you take and when and how often you take them. Give this list to a friend or loved one in case of an emergency.
  • Read all labels and follow directions.
  • Make taking your medicines a habit. Take them at the same time along with other daily activities, such as when you brush your teeth or at mealtimes.
  • Make sure all your doctors know about all the medicines you take.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration