INDUSTRY INSIGHT
A
Lifetime Dental Care
SPONSORED CONTENT
A Lifetime of Dentistry
s we age, our dental needs change and
the type of dental treatment also changes. A
good understanding of this cycle is important to
prevent problems as we get older.
Early childhood. Primary teeth begin to erupt
when a child is about 6 months old and usually
finish at about 2 years of age. For young children
just getting their first teeth, the easiest way to
clean their teeth is to use a 2”x2” piece of gauze to wipe each tooth.
If you want to use a toothbrush to clean the teeth, use only water
with it. If you want to use toothpaste, only use a “pea-size” amount of
toothpaste until the child is old enough to understand not to swallow
toothpaste. At age 3 or 4, the dentist can clean a child’s teeth and
apply fluoride to strengthen the enamel and reduce the chances of
the child getting tooth decay.
Ages 6 to 12. At this period in a child’s life, there is a mixture of primary
(baby) and permanent teeth. There is a lot going on – permanent
teeth are erupting, and the remaining primary teeth are acting as space
maintainers so there will be room for additional permanent teeth.
Dental exams are particularly important at this time along with regular
cleaning and fluoride treatments. Sealants are placed on the erupting
first molars to reduce chances of decay. For children with certain types
of irregular growth patterns, orthodontic treatment may be started.
Teenagers. This is the time to continue the
cleanings and fluoride to prevent cavities from
forming and to treat small cavities. Flossing is
important because gingivitis (gum disease) can
start. If a child is involved in sports, remember
to use mouth guards. The combination of the
timing of the growth phases of the child and
the eruption of the permanent teeth makes this
the time for an orthodontic evaluation and the
start of orthodontic treatment if necessary. This is also when a dental
professional can tell if there is enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt
and if they should be removed.
College Age. There is often a major change in lifestyle for this age
group. We often see more gingivitis and the formation of decay between
teeth, perhaps from irregular eating habits and an irregular schedule of
brushing. This is the time when a dental professional can spot evidence
of eating disorders from chemical erosion of the teeth. The dentist and
the dental team can also see the beginning of permanent damage to the
inside gum tissue and cracked teeth that result from tongue piercings.
20s - 30s. At this point in the life cycle, we still see decay forming
between teeth as well as on the biting surface of teeth. Old fillings begin
to break down and have to be replaced, sometimes with crowns and
perhaps root canals as well. This is when gum disease tends to change
from gingivitis to periodontitis, which can lead to permanent bone loss.
Middle Age. People in this stage of their life do not normally have decay
forming in teeth that have no prior decay or fillings, but older fillings are
rapidly breaking down and have to be replaced. Unfortunately, when
fillings do break down, or decay forms adjacent to the existing fillings,
the size of the new replacement filling is usually larger, resulting in the
need for crowns and possibly root canals. Teeth that are badly decayed
below the gum level may have to be removed. To avoid the spaces
from missing teeth, there are choices of having bridgework, implants
or partial dentures. Periodontal problems often increase, so flossing
becomes an ever-important part of the daily routine.
Senior Citizens. As people age, they tend to get cavities forming
around the roots of teeth, rather than in other parts of the tooth. At this
stage, it is important to brush very well around the gums, not only to
prevent the root cavities but also to prevent periodontal disease. This
is also the time when root canals, periodontal treatment, bridgework,
implants, and full and partial dentures are commonly seen. People who
have taken care of their teeth during their lifetime tend to have fewer
problems at this stage of their life.
This Industry Insight was written by
Dr. Jay Feuer. Jay Feuer, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.,
is a family dentist practicing at
3035 Washington Road in McMurray.
Call the office at 724.941.2200
for more information or visit his website
at www.drfeuer.com.
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