Common Oral Concerns At Each Stage Of Life
Oral care is essential for everyone. However, depending on your age, you may have more concerns than someone else. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
Baby/Toddler
Ideally, start taking your baby to the dentist by the time their first tooth erupts or they turn one year old. The dentist may not do much more than clean and examine the teeth and gums, but they can look for signs of baby bottle decay: a common problem for babies who fall asleep with a bottle. The milk (or a sugary drink, such as juice) collects around their front teeth, increasing the risk of sensitivity from worn enamel and decay.
During this time, your dentist may suggest methods to help break thumb-sucking habits. These can lead to issues with the teeth, including malocclusion. Similarly, tongue thrusting and lip sucking can cause malocclusion.
Child
As your child gets older, the dentist may help them and you create oral health habits like good hygiene and healthy eating habits to prevent oral decay. Many children are prone to decay, especially if they don't brush their teeth thoroughly. Your dentist may suggest sealants to act as a barrier against plaque/bacteria, and fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel.
Even as a child, the dentist may be able to tell if orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Some treatments are started early because they provide better results.
Teen
As a teen, your child should have all their permanent teeth (possibly excluding wisdom teeth), so it's important to keep them healthy and strong. Your teen may also start or continue orthodontia treatment.
If the teen plays sports in school, they may also be more prone to tooth trauma. This may increase the risk of chipping and dying teeth, but a good mouth guard should help.
Adult
As a young adult, your wisdom teeth start to erupt. Most patients need them removed. The teeth often grow impacted or don't fully erupt because there isn't enough space in the mouth. This can lead to pain and infection, so the teeth are extracted.
Adults may also continue or start orthodontic treatment, and some start to see issues like gum irritation, erosion recession, root infection, and teeth sensitivity.
Senior
Seniors often face weak, cracked teeth or irritated gums from routine wear and tear, but many struggle with gum disease. This disease causes gum loss, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration. If caught early, the symptoms reverse on their own, but advanced gum disease often needs surgical treatments.
At this stage, many patients turn to dentures because their teeth and/or gums have been damaged by a combination of poor oral hygiene and wear and tear.
Dental care is important at every age, and a family dentist can see everyone in your family. This makes it easier on you, and it means your kids don't have to get used to a new dentist at every stage. For more information, contact a family dentist in your area.