Dental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that should not be neglected, regardless of age. Whether you’re a child just beginning your oral hygiene journey, a senior looking to preserve your dental health, or anyone in between, a daily dental care routine is crucial. In this article, we will explore the importance of daily dental care routines and how they vary across different age groups, from children to seniors. We’ll also touch upon dental insurance tips and ways to overcome dental anxiety for a well-rounded discussion on dental health.
Children’s Oral Care:
Starting with the youngest members of our community, children’s oral care is paramount. Due to severe tooth pain, or a recent accident, you will need solutions and you will need them fast. The foundation of a lifetime of good dental health is built during childhood. Parents should instill proper dental habits in their children from an early age. Here are some key aspects of children’s oral care:
- Regular Brushing and Flossing: Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. Supervise them until they can do it independently.
- Healthy Diet: Encourage a balanced diet that is low in sugary snacks and beverages. Limit their intake of candies and soda, which can lead to tooth decay.
- Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child. Early detection of dental issues can prevent more significant problems later on.
Senior Dental Health:
As we age, our dental care needs evolve. Senior dental health requires special attention to address age-related concerns. Here are some tips for maintaining dental health in your golden years:
- Regular Check-ups: Seniors should visit the dentist at least twice a year to monitor oral health and address any issues promptly.
- Oral Hygiene Products: Consider using specialized oral hygiene products designed for seniors, such as softer toothbrushes and alcohol-free mouthwash, which can be gentler on sensitive gums.
- Dental Insurance: Investigate dental insurance plans that cater to seniors’ needs. Some plans may offer coverage for dentures and other essential treatments.
Dental Insurance Tips:
Dental care can be costly, making dental insurance an invaluable asset. Here are some tips to make the most of your dental insurance:
- Understand Your Plan: Familiarize yourself with the details of your dental insurance plan, including coverage limits, co-pays, and deductibles.
- Preventive Care: Take advantage of covered preventive services like cleanings and check-ups to avoid more significant expenses in the future.
- In-Network Providers: Whenever possible, choose dentists who are in-network with your insurance provider to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety:
Dental anxiety is a common issue that can deter people from seeking necessary dental care. Overcoming this anxiety is essential for maintaining oral health. Here are some strategies to help overcome dental anxiety:
- Communication: Openly discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist. They can tailor their approach to make you feel more comfortable.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before and during your dental appointment to reduce anxiety.
- Sedation Options: In some cases, dentists may offer sedation options to help anxious patients relax during procedures.
Conclusion:
Maintaining good dental health throughout life requires daily care and attention. Children, seniors, and everyone in between should prioritize their oral hygiene to prevent dental issues. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper dental insurance can all contribute to a lifetime of healthy smiles. If dental anxiety is a concern, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your dentist, as there are strategies and options available to make dental visits less intimidating. Remember, a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, regardless of age!
Crown Point, Indiana
Crown Point is a city in and the county seat of Lake County, Indiana, United States.[4] The population was 33,899 at the 2020 census. The city was incorporated in 1868. On October 31, 1834, Solon Robinson and his family became the first settlers to an area that later became Crown Point. Due to its location, Crown Point is known as the “Hub of Lake County”.
The city is surrounded by Merrillville to the north, Winfield to the east, Cedar Lake to the southwest, St. John to the west, and unincorporated Schererville to the northwest. The southern and southwestern parts of Crown Point border some unincorporated areas of Lake County.
History
On October 31, 1834, Solon Robinson and his family became the first settlers to stake a claim in the area that would eventually become Crown Point.[5] In February 1837, Lake County was incorporated, with Liverpool, Indiana, as the county seat. Later that year, Solon Robinson funded a US$500 project to build a new wooden county courthouse in Crown Point, and the legislature was delighted to designate it as the county seat. It was not until 1868 that Crown Point was incorporated as a city.
In 1878, construction began on a new, larger county court house and clock tower. This new court house, now known as the Grand Old Lady, was built in the center of town and became the dominant feature of Crown Point (further additions to this courthouse would be made from 1907–1928). Campaigning for the presidency of the United States, William Jennings Bryan addressed a crowd from the steps of the court house in 1896. In 1897 a crowd of 4,000 gathered to watch a winning harness racing horse bred by noted Chicago theater manager Will J. Davis and his famous wife, contralto Jessie Bartlett Davis. The Davises bred trotters and dogs at their Crown Point farm c.1885-1917 (Chicago Daily Tribune, Aug 8, 1897, pg 7). Crown Point was the site of the first Cobe Trophy automobile race, won by Louis Chevrolet in 1909.
The Old Lake County Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and the new Lake County Government Center opened on the north side of the city the next year.
Because Crown Point had no waiting period for marriage licenses, the city became a popular place for couples to marry; it became known as the “Marriage Mill”. Many famous people came to Crown Point to marry, including Tom Mix, Rudolph Valentino, Muhammad Ali, and Jackson 5 patriarch Joseph Jackson and their wives. Certain online sources claim that Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman were married in Crown Point.[6] But Reagan and Wyman were married in Glendale, California, according to sources such as Fox News,[7] The Washington Post,[8] and the Los Angeles Times.[9]
The Walter Allman House, Wellington A. Clark House, Crown Point Courthouse Square Historic District, Lake County Courthouse, Lake County Tuberculosis Sanatorium, Nurses Home and Superintendent’s House, Lake County Sheriff’s House and Jail, Albert Maack House, and William Whitaker Landscape and House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[10][11]
Locally designated residential historic districts include:
- Sunnyside Historic District, includes St. Mary’s Church and School and surrounding homes.
- Holley Historic District, includes 20 homes and one church, including former Sheriff Lillian Holley‘s home at the southeast corner of South and East streets.
Gangster era
On March 3, 1934, FBI “Public Enemy #1” John Dillinger escaped from the “escape-proof” (as it was dubbed by local authorities at the time) Lake County Jail, which was guarded by many police and national guardsmen. Dillinger apparently escaped while brandishing a hand-carved wooden gun blackened with shoe polish, although this was disputed by some witnesses. Dillinger further embarrassed the city, as well as the 42-year-old female Sheriff Lillian Holley, by driving off in her brand new V-8 Ford. The press augmented her chagrin with such headlines as: “Slim woman, mother of twins, controlled Dillinger as sheriff.” Incensed, Holley declared at the time, “If I ever see John Dillinger again, I’ll shoot him dead with my own gun. Don’t blame anyone else for this escape. Blame me. I have no political career ahead of me and I don’t care.” Furthermore, Holley made certain the Dillinger name would have no standing in Crown Point up until Holley’s death in 1994 at 102.
Public Enemies (film)
In March 2008, a Universal Studios team, under the direction of Michael Mann, visited Crown Point to film parts of the movie Public Enemies at the former county jail facility from which Dillinger escaped. The crime drama is set during The Great Depression with the focus on FBI agent Melvin Purvis‘ attempt to stop criminals John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. Christian Bale plays FBI agent Purvis, and Johnny Depp plays Dillinger. Actress Lili Taylor portrayed Sheriff Holley in the film. The shoot took three days to complete and involved a number of scenes inside the former Sheriff’s house and jail. A scene was constructed for filming the exterior. Depp was on the set for all three days and stayed late into the evenings each night to shake hands with hundreds of fans who stood for hours to see him and the film shoot.[12] The movie was released in June 2009.
Geography
Crown Point lies on the Valparaiso Moraine.
According to the 2010 census, Crown Point has a total area of 17.725 square miles (45.91 km2), of which 17.71 square miles (45.87 km2) (or 99.92%) is land and 0.015 square miles (0.04 km2) (or 0.08%) is water.[13]
Crown Point is situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Chicago’s Loop.
Demographics
The estimated racial makeup of the city was 85.9% White, 8.0% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 2.6% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were estimated to be 6.2% of the population.[14]
The estimated median income for a household in the city in 2013 was $63,121 while the mean income for a household in the town was $78,090. Additionally, the median income for a family was $75,112 and the mean income for a family was $90,507. The estimated per capita income for the town was $31,177. About 4.3% of families and 7.0% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.[14]
2010 census
As of the census[15] of 2010, there were 27,317 people, 10,394 households, and 7,001 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,542.5 inhabitants per square mile (595.6/km2). There were 10,976 housing units at an average density of 619.8 per square mile (239.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 88.2% White, 6.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 1.9% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.1% of the population.
There were 10,394 households, of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.6% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.
The median age in the city was 39.6 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
2000 census
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 19,806 people, 7,824 households, and 5,359 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,191.7 inhabitants per square mile (460.1/km2). There were 8,166 housing units at an average density of 491.3 per square mile (189.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.32% White, 1.41% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.98% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.02% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.00% of the population.
There were 7,824 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $52,889, and the median income for a family was $64,274. Males had a median income of $50,090 versus $26,669 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,568. About 2.1% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
Government
The government consists of a mayor and a city council. The interim mayor is Pete Land, the former chief of police . The city council consists of seven members. Five are elected from individual districts. Two are elected at-large.
Transportation
Gary Public Transportation Corporation provides bus service along the 93rd Avenue corridor; with plans to expand bus service within the city along the Broadway corridor from 93rd Avenue to the north terminating at US-231 to the south. These plans are known as the “Livable Broadway Plan” that aims to allow easy travel by public transportation between Gary, Merrillville, and Crown Point and to encourage transit-oriented development at each hub. The first steps of this plan were realized with the Broadway Metro Express.[19]
The Pennsylvania Railroad’s Chicago to Columbus line and the Erie Lackawanna’s Jersey City to Chicago line served Crown Point and had commuter service to and from Chicago. Both rail lines have been abandoned.
Lake County Court House
The old Lake County Court House is prominently situated in the center of Crown Point, which is commonly referred to simply as the square. The first portion of the court house was erected in 1878,[20] with portions being added on all the way up to 1928. Inside the “Grand Old Lady”, there are gift shops,a record shop, and a museum which is located on the second floor.
Lake County Fairgrounds
The Lake County Fairgrounds are located near the southern portion of Crown Point. The fairgrounds include historic brick exhibition buildings, tree covered hills, rambling walking paths and a historic grandstand near the retired swimming area at Fancher Lake. The Crown Point Bridge, an 85-foot, single span Burr Arch Truss bridge, is the county’s only covered bridge. It was originally built in 1878 near Milroy in Rush County and relocated to the northwest area of the fairgrounds over a gully in 1933.
Events
The Lake County Fair, the 2nd-largest county fair in the state of Indiana, is held on the fairgrounds each year in early August for 10 days. The Lake County Fair always boasts monster trucks, demolition derby, and an entire arena for horse shows.
The Corn Roast and the Taste of Crown Point, annual festivals featuring food and entertainment, are held downtown around the historic courthouse.
There are also parades held on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and St. Patrick’s Day.
Fontaine Dental Group
Address: 1108 E Summit St. | Crown Point, IN 46307
Call: (219) 663-0011
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