According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the USA. The agency also states that over 47% of adults at least 30 years old suffer from periodontitis. These numbers alone reiterate what dentists always say- oral health is important, regardless of age.

How Does Your Age Affect Oral Health?

The dentists at J Street Dental Group are committed to ensuring that patients of all ages practice good oral hygiene habits that will safeguard their teeth and gums for a lifetime. The team also strives to provide unparalleled dental care services.

1. Babies

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents and guardians should take their babies to the dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of growing the first tooth.

The organization also recommends introducing young ones to the dentist as early as possible so that they can grow to be comfortable and develop a relationship that’s built on trust. The dentists help the young ones build a solid foundation for good oral health and ways to maintain a healthy smile as they grow older.

2. Juniors

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless, or pale yellow film that forms on teeth and gum lines. It is made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles, and it constantly forms on teeth throughout the day. It also hides where toothbrush bristles cannot reach and when left unattended, it turns into tartar which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

To prevent issues like cavities in juniors, a dentist applies a thin plastic coating that seals the small divots and cracks in a tooth. This creates a barrier between the teeth and the bacteria that causes plaque.

3. Teenagers

Wisdom teeth grow when an individual is between the age of 17 and 25. During a teenager’s appointment, the dentist will take x-rays in order to have a better assessment of these teeth as they emerge from the jawbone. If they erupt at an angle, or the teen does not have adequate room to accommodate them, the practitioner may recommend extraction.

Wisdom teeth are considered remnants of human evolution where early humans needed them to chew harder foods. With changes in dietary needs, these teeth are no longer needed and so, removing them doesn’t have much of an effect.

Due to peer pressure, teens are also at a higher risk of using tobacco which in turn increases their risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco consumption also stains the teeth, ruining an individual’s perfect smile.

4. Adults

Adults are more prone to severe oral issues such as bleeding gums. When left unattended, gingivitis (the earliest form of gum disease) can develop into periodontitis, which is the more severe and irreversible form of the condition.

As mentioned earlier, the CDC estimates that about half of adults over 30 years in the country suffer from periodontitis. Once it develops, the only measure that can be taken is to manage the symptoms. The team at J Street Dental Group offers scaling and root planing to eliminate the plaque stuck in deep gum pockets around the teeth. The dentists then smooth out the tooth roots to provide space for the receding gums to reattach.

Prevention, however, is always better and patients are advised to take quick action when they notice the following:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Loose or shifting teeth
Pus between gums and teeth
Persistent bad breath
Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

Teeth are supported by the jawbone, gums, and other teeth. That is why it is imperative to have proper oral hygiene. This entails brushing two times a day, flossing once a day, and scheduling a dental checkup at least twice a year.