| 0-2 years |
|
Baby
teeth arrive around 6 months of age and need to be cleaned. Get
the baby used to a small toothbrush without toothpaste at first.
Then add a very small amount. Try not to let the baby fall asleep
with a bottle in his or her mouth or "bottle syndrome"
tooth decay will occur. Switch to a cup with a spout at 1 year.
|
|
| 2-5 years |
|
All the first teeth will have
arrived and should be brushed morning and night with the help of
a parent. First dental exam at 3 years of age unless there are concerns.
|
|
|
| 5-9 years |
|
Permanent teeth start to erupt.
Regular dental visits are important. Tooth brushing morning and
2 minutes at night is critical. First molars should be sealed on
the biting surface at our office. Orthodontic needs may arise if
teeth are not straightening out by 9 years. |
|
|
| 9-18
years |
|
Oral hygiene and a good diet
that limits sweets and pop are paramount. Orthodontic treatment
will occur in these years as well as treatment of tooth decay (hopefully
caught early if check ups are regular). |
|
|
| 18-30
years |
|
Wisdom teeth will arrive and
may be a problem. Gingivitis (bleeding gums) may show itself. It
can lead to more serious gum disease and be a factor in bad taste
and breath. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and dental
visits. Since many people may be starting their own families, it
is important to set a good example for their children. |
|
|
| 30-40
years |
|
Tooth decay is often less of
a problem, but gum disease, the main cause of tooth loss, becomes
a bigger issue. You should be screened for its early signs at your
dental visits and watch for bleeding gums yourself. Cosmetics may
become an issue. Teeth yellow with age and can easily be whitened
in our office. Porcelain veneers can also be applied to solve other
cosmetic problems. |
|
|
| 40-50
years |
|
Old restorations need careful
monitoring for replacement. Teeth with large old fillings may deteriorate
or break, and need root canal treatments to save them. Gum disease
will be an issue requiring monitoring for the rest of your life.
Early detection and treatment may avoid the need for gum surgery
or extractions. |
|
|
| 50-60
years |
|
Crowns and bridges may be needed
before your retirement years to preserve your appearance and to
allow good chewing for a good diet. |
|
|
| 60+
years |
|
Most people will be keeping
their own teeth. Decay in the roots can be a problem and be difficult
to restore if neglected. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth
loss and should be monitored at regular check ups. There are links
between active gum disease and heart disease so it is important
to maintain good oral hygiene and dental visits. Costs may become
a factor for seniors since even those who did have a dental plan
often lose it in retirement. However, it is more likely that those
who have had relatively good dental health will want to establish
financial priorities to help keep their own teeth. |
