Teeth need specialized care at every stage of life. Often, a trip to the dentist means preventive treatment, like cleanings or x-rays. Other times, it’s to address issues like decay, gingivitis, and missing teeth. As we age, these treatments become unique to a person’s age and development.
Keep reading to explore common dental issues and treatments patients can expect throughout their lifetime.
Infants and Toddlers
On average, children’s teeth erupt before their first birthday. A toddler’s teeth may grow in twisted or crooked at first. Fortunately, that does not guarantee misaligned permanent teeth. For most small children, their baby teeth straighten out with time.
Parents can expect to visit a dental office to introduce babies and toddlers to dental care. Dentists provide examinations and offer tips for proper brushing methods. Parents should use this time to monitor their child’s growth.
Children
Encouraging children to build good oral habits prevents future cavities. Despite eventually falling out, it’s important to keep primary teeth healthy. Brushing twice a day and bi-yearly visits to the dentist are essential to a child’s oral health.
Cavities in baby teeth can lead to problems with adult teeth. If a child has a cavity in their primary tooth, it’s easy to find treatment. Most Dentistapply fluoride or use fillings and crowns. Under severe circumstances, children may undergo root canal therapy under local anesthesia.
Teens
Teenagers are recommended unique preventative care at the dentist. Teens participating in contact sports put their oral health at risk for damage. Young adults should look to protect their smile with mouth guards and other appliances.
Although the fix is simple, tooth damage is preventable with the use of a mouth guard. Your dentist can create a custom fitted mouth guard for you by taking a simple mold of the teeth.
Among using dental appliances for protection, young adults can look forward to orthodontic care while gums still develop. It is preferable to straighten the teeth at this age because the body heals quicker than it will later in life.
Straight teeth are a smart investment. They help prevent cavities and gum disease because they are easier to keep clean.
Adults
Adults have several options at the dentist to keep their smile healthy.
Since teeth begin to shift as we age due to teeth grinding or enamel wear, appliances like retainers or mouth guards prevent these issue
Beverages like coffee or tea cause yellowing. A trip to the dentist can lift stains with only one or two hour-long teeth whitening sessions. Brand name packages such as Opalescence and Zoom! whitening drastically brighten your smile.
Gingivitis can occur in individuals who don’t floss or have regular cleanings. Scaling or root planing can cure gingivitis quickly. Those procedures involve the dentist removing the plaque that has accumulated under the gum line.
Retirement Aged
Individuals of advanced age face a unique set of dental challenges. Active seniors may lose their teeth due to a variety of reasons, such as complications from old silver fillings or periodontal disease. As we age and enamel wears, there is a loss of sensitivity. Without sensation, it can be difficult to catch tooth decay or gum disease before it advances. For example, gingivitis left untreated can evolve into periodontal disease.
Removable and implanted dentures are available to remedy cases of severe tooth loss.
For personalized and friendly dental care for your whole life, visit Dr. Alan Rubin Family Dentistry in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.