The importance of parental oral health from our dentist in Birmingham

Here at Sohal Dental Practice, we promote preventive care and offer lots of help on maintaining good oral health. For parents, taking good care of their teeth and gums can allow them to be better role models, as well as enjoying better health in general. Having a regular routine can also help to retain confidence and youthfulness, qualities that are often desired by new and older parents alike. Here, as a dentist in Birmingham, we outline why good oral health is so important for parents and explain the practices that help to achieve this.

Setting a good example

As a dentist in Birmingham, we often hear of parents having difficulty in encouraging their children to brush their teeth. One of the easiest ways to help resolve this is by ensuring that children see their parents engaging in a regular cleaning routine. Children learn by modelling, that is, copying the behaviour of their role models.

It is also important that children see their parents visiting the dentist in Birmingham for check-up appointments. It can be helpful to arrange a child’s dental check-up at the same time as their parents. If they see their mother or father chatting happily with us and relaxing in the chair while we give them the once over, a child is much more likely to feel calm and accepting about having their own examination.

Maintain oral health

The parent who brushes and flosses daily and visits us every six months or so is much less likely to encounter difficulties with their oral health. Having toothache and trying to care for children can be very difficult, as can having to arrange childcare for unscheduled visits to get issues resolved. The less treatment a parent needs at the dentist, the more resources they have to spare that can be used for the benefit of their children.

Look after general health

Most parents are keen to do everything they can to ensure they maintain good health and live for as long as possible. They want to be able to look after their children well into adulthood and be fit and active grandparents.

People who have healthy teeth and gums are more likely to have good general health. Gum disease has been shown to be a significant contributory factor in a whole host of other health conditions. When the mouth is persistently inflamed, then the patient has a higher risk of heart and lung disease, arthritis and dementia.

Retain confidence and youthfulness

Sometimes people feel they lose a bit of themselves when they become parents, and this can have an impact on their confidence. Ensuring that they have a great smile with healthy attractive teeth and gums means that parents can continue to feel youthful and happy about their appearance as their children get older.

How to keep oral health

Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing or using interdental brushes once per day is essential. It is also important to see us for a check-up every six months or so, as we can assess that all is well and identify and treat any issues before they become problematic.