It’s easy to be complacent about the dentist at any stage of life but you should never leave your oral health to chance and genetics, taking care in the present to invest in your future. We’ve broken down the different stages of life and why being consistent with your oral hygiene is vital.
Childhood
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts – this first appointment is equally important for parents, as your dentist can educate you on how to care for your baby’s oral and dental hygiene.
Adolescents and teens
This is the time when most adolescents are taking over full responsibility for their dental and hygiene routine and many commonly neglect this to start with, putting them at higher risk of dental decay and gum disease. Wisdom teeth can also be problematic at this time, as in many cases there is not enough room to accommodate them – the earlier this is dealt with the better, as the roots are not full formed and the bone will be softer and therefore easier to remove.
Midlife
Bi-annual check-ups are paramount at this stage as midlife is generally when teeth begin to show signs of wear and tear. Problems such as fillings and crowns breaking down will emerge and root canals are more common. If you have a missing tooth in your midlife period this should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid aesthetic changes such as sunken cheeks as well as health complications like jawbone loss, which can affect chewing and speaking.
Older years
In your older years the stimulation of saliva subsides, which becomes a problem as it is a natural tooth cleaner – many medications cause a dry mouth, which will also contribute to this problem. You should attend regular oral cancer screenings when you reach this age, as you will be more prone to the disease as you grow older.
If you would like more information about caring for your teeth or you would simply like to arrange a check-up, please do not hesitate to contact us.