Caring for teeth is a lifelong job, says Edmond dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS. Here, the ADA affiliated dentist talks to Presentation Solutions about oral health from birth and beyond.

Presentation Solutions: Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for taking the time to chat with us today.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It’s my pleasure.

Presentation Solutions: Today, we’re talking about how to care for teeth. Let’s start at the beginning. How should parents care for their child’s baby teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Believe it or not, healthy teeth actually begin in the womb. Pregnant mothers-to-be can give their babies a head start by taking calcium supplements and eating a variety of healthy foods.

Presentation Solutions: And after the baby is born…?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Within the first few days after birth, parents can wipe the baby’s gums after feedings with a soft, damp cloth.

Presentation Solutions: What’s the point? Babies don’t have teeth at that age.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: You’re right, most babies don’t have teeth at birth. However, removing bacteria keeps the gum line healthy and that’s where decay starts.

Presentation Solutions: How long should parents brush their children’s teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Children don’t have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth properly until they’re about six years old.

Presentation Solutions: How prevalent is the issue of tooth decay among American adults?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: The Centers for Disease Control estimate that one in three adults have untreated cavities. This is an extremely high number considering tooth decay can be detected early through inexpensive dental exams twice a year.

Presentation Solutions: Aside from cavities, what other dental issues might a dentist catch in the early stages?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Dentists can pick up on a number of issues before they cause any noticeable symptoms. One in particular is periodontal disease.

Presentation Solutions: Like plaque and gingivitis?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: That’s right! In the early stages, gum disease can cause inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of the gums. However, if left unchecked, it can cause bone loss around the teeth and may require extensive surgical correction.

Presentation Solutions: What are the risk factors for gum disease?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Poor dental hygiene along with smoking and taking certain medications will increase a person’s risk of periodontal disease.

Presentation Solutions: How can an adults avoid cavities?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It all goes back to proper oral hygiene. For instance, people of all ages can skip bottled water and drink tap water, which is supplemented with fluoride.

Presentation Solutions: What special dental concerns are of note for your older patients?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Older adults, even those with dentures, still need to see their dentist on a regular basis. This group is more at-risk for developing mouth or throat related cancers.

Presentation Solutions: Speaking of dentures, what are some telltale signs that my dentures may not be fitting correctly?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Ill-fitting dentures will be uncomfortable and may feel loose. Red, swollen gums is the most dominant indication that dentures are no longer a proper fit.

Presentation Solutions: Is it normal for older people to lose their teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: With a regular routine that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, many people can keep their natural teeth well into their golden years.

Presentation Solutions: That’s all the time we have for today. Thank you again for talking with us, you’ve given us lots of great information to pass on to our readers.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: I look forward to speaking with you again in the future.