Remember, investing a small amount of time in annual dental visits can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles and contribute significantly to your well-being. NHADA Insurance has several excellent dental coverage offerings available to our members. If you’re interested in exploring potential dental benefits please contact me at (603) 224-2369 or lpreve@nhada.com. Children: Your children should have their first dental visit by age 1. A general or pediatric dentist can determine your child’s risk for dental disease and recommend an appropriate dental schedule. • Never put your baby to bed with a bottle and limit sippy‑cup use to mealtimes only. • Parents or caregivers should brush and floss their children’s teeth until they are aged 8 to 10, when adequate motor skills develop. • Be sure children use fluoridated toothpaste at least twice daily and floss once (at a minimum). • Limit frequency of sugary drinks and foods to reduce risk of dental decay. • Look for products containing Xylitol, a natural sweetener, which can help prevent tooth decay. • To help prevent dental decay on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, ask your dental provider about dental sealants. Adults: Adults should continue with routine dental visits. Regular dental cleanings and good home care can help to prevent gum disease and dental decay. • Dental exams include oral cancer screenings, which could save your life. • The early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, is reversible if diagnosed early. • Late stages of gum disease, called periodontal disease, is a chronic infection which has been linked to systemic inflammation and chronic disease, including diabetes and heart disease. • Periodontal disease can cause chronic bad breath, receding gums, tooth mobility and tooth loss. • Adults can still develop dental decay; so, continue brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, floss regularly and limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks. • Some prescription and over-thecounter medications cause drymouth, which increases the risk for dental decay — especially on exposed root surfaces. • Elderly seniors may require assistance with home care regimens — especially those in residential facilities. Patients with Dentures: Those wearing dentures must still visit their dentist regularly to ensure proper fit, and to be screened for oral cancer. • Dentures should be removed at night and soaked in denture cleaner. • Brush dentures with paste designated for dentures instead of regular toothpaste (as it can scratch denture material). • Keep soaking dentures in a secure container and away from pets. REASONS WHY EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THEIR DENTIST YEARLY 21
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