Maintaining a Healthy Smile At Every Age

By Padmaja Yalamanchili, MD, FAANS

Fairfax Family Dentist

. https://www.fairfaxfamilydentist.com/

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Maintaining a Healthy Smile At Every Age

For the best results, dental health professionals recommend focusing on the wellbeing of your teeth and gums from infancy through your senior years. After all, you and your teeth have a long way to go together.

Starting good habits early

Baby teeth will act as placeholders for adult teeth that erupt during childhood. Healthy baby teeth aid in speaking clearly, chewing appropriately, and smiling without pain. Brushing should begin as soon as that first pearly white is above the gumline. Schedule that first dental visit by age one.

Children ages 3-6 typically need varying degrees of supervision as they brush, with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Once your child has two teeth that touch, focus on cleaning between them. Decay can become a problem during childhood, so routine visits are imperative.

Teens and tooth decay

Tooth decay and early gum disease (gingivitis) are often issues during adolescence. Continue with regular dental exams that may include periodic cleanings and fluoride treatments. Reinforce brushing at least twice and flossing at least once each day.

Teens should avoid sugary snacks and beverages and follow a tooth-healthy diet that includes cheese, fresh fruits, and crunchy vegetables. Drink plenty of water because a dry mouth encourages decay-causing bacteria to grow. Mouthguards can protect young athletes from painful injuries.

Smiling through your
20s, 30s, and 40s

By the time you near 30, your tooth enamel could be experiencing some wear and tear. Sugary beverages and snacks, and even citrus fruits and tomatoes, can soften enamel and add to your risk of developing cavities and breakage. Keep up with routine dental visits, your daily brushing and flossing.

Be aware of foods and beverages that can stain and darken adult teeth, such as coffee and red wine. Teeth can begin to shift out of alignment in your 40s. You may notice gaps that never existed before. It’s also a good time to have your dentist check old fillings, which generally last 15-20 years.

Keeping a healthy smile through your 50s, 60s, and beyond

Dental issues to monitor for after age 50 include receding gums, darkening and yellowed teeth, and chipped and worn teeth. Now is not the time to quit seeing your dentist.

For women in this age group, changes in hormones appear to be related to increased incidence of gum disease. Men are susceptible, too. Tender, swollen, and bleeding gums are indicators of a problem that should prompt you to contact your dentist.

Treatment is simple and effective when gum disease is diagnosed early. Oral cancer becomes a greater risk as you age, and your dentist will check carefully for suspicious lesions.