From Childhood Checkups to Wisdom Teeth Removal: Your Guide to Every Stage of General Dentistry

Roughly 13.2% of children ages 5 to 19 have untreated dental issues. That number only rises over time, with about 25% of adults walking around with at least as many instances of tooth decay or cavities. On top of that, many people have missing teeth or experience chronic tooth pain. 

As people age, they must rely on general dentistry to treat dental issues and avoid developing new ones. Those dental needs change over time, and only a dentist is well-equipped to handle them. 

Here is your general dentistry guide on maintaining oral health over the years.

Childhood Dental Care Stages

The journey to a healthy smile begins before the first tooth even appears. Childhood dental care can set the foundation for how well future teeth come in and prevent dental issues later in life. 

Parents of newborns should wipe their child's gums every day. A damp cloth can suffice. The goal is to eliminate any food residue that can cause gum disease or irritation.

Once the first tooth appears, parents should schedule the child's first dental appointment. These early checkups can ensure that baby teeth are coming in correctly and help avoid gum issues. 

Kids between the ages of 2 and 6 need to establish good habits like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Parents should encourage them to start flossing when their teeth touch and make it a habit. Regular checkups every six months can help dentists monitor any changes, such as plaque buildup or tooth misalignment. 

Between the ages of 6 and 12, children start to lose their baby teeth and gain permanent ones. During this time, dentists conduct orthodontic evaluations to check for bite alignment issues and cavities, which are common in children. 

Teen Oral Health Stages

Teenagers are expected to take on more responsibility for their own dental care. However, regular checkups and cleanings are still important. They may also need braces to correct their teeth alignment or surgeries to remove wisdom teeth. 

Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are most common during the teen years. The teen jaw is still growing, which makes braces more efficient than if they were to get them in their adult years. Correcting misalignments can improve a person's smile and make it easier to clean teeth thoroughly. 

Wisdom teeth begin to emerge in a person's late teens. They can crowd and push on other teeth, causing pain and even damage to healthy teeth. Regular X-rays can help dentists monitor their growth and determine when they need to come out. 

As teens move into adulthood, they must learn good oral hygiene habits. They will only sometimes have their parents around to remind them to brush, floss, or visit their dentist. It helps if they avoid sugary drinks and snacks. 

Adult Dental Procedures and Routine Care

Dental care continues to matter well into adulthood, as adults face unique challenges. They can suffer from tooth wear, gum disease, and the effects of other lifestyle choices on their oral health. 

As such, routine cleanings and checkups become more important. Professional cleanings every six months can help identify issues early. Dental hygienists can also clear away tartar and plaque that you cannot reach at home. 

Cavities become more common over time, even for adults. Dentists can treat early-stage cavities with fillings. Untreated decay can progress and require root canals and crowns. 

Likewise, gum disease can become a problem if left undiagnosed and untreated. Your dentist can remove bacteria below the gumline and help manage the condition. 

You can always seek cosmetic procedures if your teeth become damaged due to various life events. Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding are all reliable ways to improve your smile. 

Adults also have the option to get braces if they never had them growing up. The most significant difference is that it may take longer to achieve the same results as if you got them growing up. 

Wisdom Teeth Removal Tips

Growing wisdom teeth is a natural part of your development. They are the third set of molars located in the very back of the mouth. The problem is that not everyone has the mouth capacity to fit these teeth, and they tend to grow crooked and cause dental issues. 

Wisdom teeth removal is most often done for adults between the ages of 17 and 25 when they come in. Though more significant risks exist, you can get the procedure later in life.

Before the procedure, ensure you have a ride and soft foods to eat while recovering. The actual procedure may involve anesthesia, so you will not be fit to drive yourself home. 

After removing your wisdom teeth, follow the dentist's medication guidelines and apply ice during the first 48 hours. 

Recovery can take about a week. During that time, avoid straws and smoking. Stay hydrated, but avoid hot beverages. 

Senior Dental Care

Tooth loss becomes much more common in senior years. Dental prosthetics such as dentures and implants can help preserve a person's smile and mouth's functionality. Dentures are beneficial as a cost-effective solution for multiple missing teeth. 

Dry mouth is another issue seniors face, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Dentists can recommend saliva substitutes or special rinses to help alleviate this condition. 

Regular cancer screenings during dental checkups are vital for early detection. Oral cancer risk increases with age, especially for patients with a history of smoking and drinking alcohol. A family history of cancer also increases the risk for an individual. 

Know Your General Dentistry Needs

General dentistry is an integral part of every stage of your life. You cannot ignore or avoid it without potentially developing severe consequences later. Only your dentist can address dental concerns and keep your mouth pristine. 

Nellysford Dentist provides patient-driven care for everyone in our community. Our services cover general dentistry, emergency dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetics, and more.

Contact us today with any questions about our care and complete the new patient paperwork to set up your first appointment.