As we grow, our teeth develop, and our requirements for good dental health change as time goes on. In the first set of teeth that a child grows, there are twenty teeth, sometimes called “baby teeth.” These first teeth must be taken good care of, even though they will eventually come out and will be replaced by thirty-two permanent, or second teeth. If we neglect our first teeth and develop cavities and infections in them, our second teeth may not develop properly. Also, infected baby teeth can damage our general health.

In some cases, whether baby, toddler, child or adult, infection from a tooth, or from the gums surrounding a tooth, can get into the blood and cause an infection elsewhere in the body.

Most toddlers should have learnt to brush their teeth by the time they are three to four years old. And parents should take the kids to see a dentist twice a year for a check-up, even when nothing is obviously wrong.

Here are good tips for dental health whatever life-stage you are at…..

• Have your doctor check general health two or three times a year. A healthy person tends to have healthy teeth.

• Always eat a good diet with plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits, meat and fish, chicken and eggs, and, of course, three to four glasses of milk each day. In that way you’ll get all the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain strong, healthy teeth.

• Brush your teeth after every meal. If you eat lunch in school or work, you may not be able to brush them there. But certainly, you can always brush your teeth after breakfast and before going to bed at night.

• If you have a toothache or your gums hurt, always make an appointment with your dentist.

• See your dentist twice a year, even if your teeth and gums feel fine. By doing this, he or she may be able to give you hints on how to prevent infections or cavities.