How Your Teeth Age Part 1

By Claudia Cotca, DDS, MPH

Washington Institute for Dentistry & Laser Surgery

. http://www.dclaserdentist.com

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How Your Teeth Age Part 1

Your mouth is a complex combination of systems involving teeth, gums, bone, muscles and joints. Your gums regenerate, your bone is under constant changes and pressures, your muscles are constantly pulled and restrained, and your teeth either lead or follow depending where your oral health has been and where you are now.This means that treatment can be simple or complex depending on your existing conditions and whatever treatment you chose can influence your needs in the future.

Through preventative and intervention treatments and oral hygiene instructions you should be able to gain control of your oral health.

Teeth, Gums in Your 20s This is the prime of your teeth's life. You may not see the signs of aging yourself, but that doesn't mean you are not going through these changes. You may have had orthodontic treatment (braces), and other occlusal (bite) treatments to align your teeth and balance your muscles.

However, this is the time to think about preventative care.Ongoing maintenance is necessary with focus on gums, teeth, and occlusal forces (bite).Retainers are necessary to be evaluated for fit and remade regularly depending on wear.Occlusal guards, nightguards, and sometimes deprogrammers may be recommended and maintained with regular follow up.

For those with genetic predisposition to decay and periodontal disease your current restorations and other treatment will need regular follow up and maintenance.Oral hygiene regimen will extend the longevity of health, and minimize decay and inflammation to develop.

Teeth, Gums in Your 30s This is the age when people generally begin to see the first signs of aging. What may have passed in your 20s for imagination, may be an undeniable recognition of a change in occlusal forces (bite), bruxism (grinding), clenching, or TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder).You may notice generalized staining or isolated spots, darkening of a restoration (filling), margins of crown or veneer, recession (root exposure) of your gums, which may or may not be accompanied by sensitivity to temperature changes or touch like a toothbrush.

Women may specifically note certain changes in their gums which may be related to long use of medications like birth control pills, or pregnancy.Increased frequency in dental cleanings would be the thing to consider here. How and when you brush may make the difference here when your 20s may appear to have been more forgiving.

Stay tuned for next article on your 40s, 50s, and 60s and up.