Oral Health Care for Each Stage of Life

It doesn’t matter what age a person is, oral health care is important. Good dental care is crucial for your overall health regardless of your age. From before birth to your senior years, the need for dental care exists, but those needs change through the different stages of your life. Good oral health ensures you are protected from problems that can impact your facial appearance and your ability to eat, and ultimately can cause medical issues.

It isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all formula. At Hamby Family Dental Center, your Fuquay-Varina dentist, we serve people of all ages. We know the prevalent dental issues at each stage of a person’s life. Pregnant mothers, babies, toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors should follow specific dental practices and be aware of certain oral health issues that can arise during that time of life. In this article, we review things to watch for when you are considering oral health by age to safeguard yourself and your family from these concerns.

Dental Health During Pregnancy

Dental health during pregnancy is important because poor oral health can impact the health of the mother and the baby. Poor oral health during pregnancy has been linked to preterm births, low birth weight babies, and preeclampsia. Be sure to schedule dental checkups between 4 to 6 months gestation. Pregnant women who have morning sickness should be diligent in their oral hygiene.

Here are three potential dental health issues in pregnancy:

• Pregnancy hormones can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
• Gingivitis occurs in up to 3 out of 4 pregnant women.
• Stomach acid from morning sickness can dissolve tooth enamel.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

It is necessary and safe to have dental treatments during pregnancy because your baby’s teeth are developing. Keep your regular appointments and avoid cosmetic work. If you have gum disease or problems with your teeth or gums, see your dentist. Talk to your dentist about ways to reduce the harm of morning sickness, such as using a mouthguard or rinsing with baking soda.

Additionally, be sure to do these things while pregnant to ensure you are maintaining good oral health:

• See your dentist for regular exams and cleanings. Dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy because they emit low doses of radiation.
• Brush your teeth, using proper brushing technique, with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss once a day.
• Use a soft-bristled brush.

Oral Health for Babies and Toddlers

You should begin dental care for a baby before their first tooth appears. Teething usually occurs between the ages of 3 to 9 months. We recommend taking your baby to the dentist for their first dental trip at six months or when the first tooth erupts, but no later than their first birthday.

Dental Care for Babies and Toddlers

Here are some simple steps to promote a healthy mouth and teeth for a baby and toddler:

• Clean their gums: Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean cloth two times each day or after each feeding before they get any teeth.
• Brush their teeth: Start cleaning your baby’s teeth two times a day as soon as they come in, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Use fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay found in toothpaste, tap water, and some foods.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks: Avoid soda, juice, and frequent snacking. Choose water and healthy foods instead.
• Visit the dentist: Schedule regular dental checkups.
• Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle: This can increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Check their teeth: Regularly check teeth for spots or stains. White spots indicate that the tooth is losing calcium and minerals. Brown or black spots indicate cavities and are signs of tooth decay.
• Floss: When your baby develops teeth that touch each other, begin to floss.

Dental Health for Children Ages 4 to 12

Children begin to lose teeth between the ages of 4 and 7 years through 12. During this time, children need to be encouraged to take care of their teeth. Continue to teach good oral habits and schedule regular dental visits. Focus on brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes and teach proper flossing technique. Any concerns should be discussed with your dentist. Ask your child’s dentist if it is appropriate to apply sealants. Using mouthguards and getting orthodontic evaluations may be needed closer to the teenage years.

Dental Care for Children Ages 4 to 12

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• Assist with the child’s brushing until they have good brushing skills.
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
• Brush before going to bed.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
• Choose healthy snacks like whole fruits, crisp raw vegetables, sandwiches, and low-fat cheese
• Limit fruit juice, pure juice, or fruit smoothies to a small glass once a day with a meal.

Dental Care in the Teenage Years and Young Adults, Ages 13 to 21

As children grow into adolescence and then early adulthood, their adult teeth are visible but may be crooked. Genetic predisposition may be a factor or if they sucked their thumb as a toddler, they may have ill-positioned teeth. At this stage of life, many parents provide their children with corrective braces to straighten their teeth. Additionally, tooth decay is a concern during the teenage years. So, they must get into a routine of caring for their teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings.

If your teen is image-conscious, has bad breath, or crooked teeth, he/she can develop deep insecurity. Schedule an appointment to discuss various options such as Invisalign or traditional braces. Also, it is usually a normal procedure during the late teens to remove wisdom teeth to avoid crowding, pain, and infection.

Dental Care for Ages 13 to 21

• Maintain dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months
• Get an evaluation of bite and third molar development
• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride using the proper brushing technique
• Rinse with a nonalcohol-based fluoride mouth rinse
• Consider dental sealants to prevent tooth decay
• Protect teeth from injury while playing sports using a mouthguard
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks
• Eat a balanced diet with foods promoting healthy teeth
• Stay hydrated to rinse away bacteria
• Stay away from vaping
• Manage stress, which can contribute to teeth-grinding (bruxism)
• Consider orthodontic care if you have braces or other appliances
• Consider dietary fluoride supplements if you are at high risk for tooth decay.

Adults Under 40

During mid-adult life, oral care is as critical as during childhood. When teeth and gums are neglected, tooth decay and tooth loss can occur. Adults under the age of 40 can experience oral health concerns as they age making maintaining oral health imperative in avoiding costly procedures. For adults under 40, maintaining good oral health means brushing your teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, and visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings regularly.

Potential dental concerns for adults under 40:

• Wisdom teeth: Monitor the eruption of wisdom teeth and consult your dentist if they cause pain or alignment issues.
• Gum disease (periodontitis): Early signs of gum disease, like bleeding gums, should be addressed promptly.
• Tooth decay: Regular brushing and flossing, along with fluoride toothpaste, can help prevent cavities.
• Bad breath: Poor oral hygiene and dietary choices can contribute to bad breath.

Important factors to consider for adults under 40:

• Smoking cessation: Smoking significantly impacts oral health, increasing the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
• Stress management: Stress can contribute to teeth grinding (bruxism) which can damage tooth enamel.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth, impacting oral health.

Dental Care for Adults Under 40

• Brushing twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on brushing all surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.
• Flossing each day: Clean between your teeth with dental floss to remove plaque and food particles that brushing can’t reach.
• Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist at least once a year for professional cleanings and examinations to detect any issues early.
• Diet considerations: Limit sugary drinks and snacks, prioritizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Mouthguard usage: If participating in contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

The Needs of Adults 40 to 60

For adults ages 40 to 60, primary oral concerns include gum health, tooth sensitivity, and dry mouth. Additionally, if old crowns and fillings exist, this is the time when there may be problems. Many old fillings and crowns need to be replaced because they are wearing down, cracking, chipping, or developing gaps that allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause further decay. Some old fillings and crowns even fall out. With old crowns and fillings, gums may begin to recede, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

This age group can also experience more tooth decay and missing teeth than in previous years. Missing teeth require repair using implants, bridges, and other prosthetic solutions. Without correcting a missing tooth, you may have your speech affected, a decreased ability to eat, experience shifting teeth, and bone loss.

Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications and health conditions. A persistently dry mouth can cause more decay due to decreased saliva flow. A dry mouth is not serious but it is important to take care of your teeth and gums and have regular dental visits when you have a dry mouth. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay, and other oral health problems become more common.

Another oral health concern in adults 40 to 60 is oropharyngeal cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer can affect any area of the oropharyngeal cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue, jaw, hard or soft palate, and throat. It often starts as a tiny unnoticed white or red spot or sore or swelling anywhere in the mouth or throat. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early.

Adults 40 to 60 should discuss the following with their dentist:

• Any concerns about your oral health
• Family history of dental issues
• Changes in your diet and lifestyle
• Symptoms like sensitivity, pain, or bleeding gums

Specific considerations for adults 40 to 60:

• Gum disease prevention: Increased focus on gum health due to potential age-related gum recession.
• Tooth wear and tear: Monitor for signs of tooth wear, including worn enamel and exposed dentin.
• Oral cancer screening: Regular oral cancer screenings as part of dental checkups.
• Dental implants: Discuss options for dental implants if missing teeth are present.
• Teeth whitening: Consider professional teeth whitening treatments if desired.

Dental Care for Adults 40 to 60

• Regular checkups and cleanings
• Proper brushing technique
• Flossing
• Diet management:
• Medication review

Preventive Care for Adults Over 60

Adults over 60 have more dental concerns than in their younger years. Aging carries more risks with dry mouth, gum disease, tooth decay, root decay, increased risk of oral cancer, difficulty with oral hygiene due to physical limitations, and potential complications from medications that affect saliva production. All of these common oral health issues in seniors can significantly impact the quality of life.

• Dry mouth (xerostomia): A common issue caused by aging or medications, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities and infections.
• Gum disease (periodontitis): More prevalent in older adults, potentially leading to tooth loss if not treated.
• Tooth decay (dental caries): Can affect the roots of teeth more easily in order individuals due to gum recession.
• Oral cancer: Increased risk with age, especially for those who smoke or use tobacco.
• Physical limitations: Difficulty brushing and flossing due to dexterity issues, vision problems, or cognitive impairments can contribute to poor oral hygiene.
• Medication side effects: Many medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
• Denture issues: Poorly fitting dentures can irritate the gums and affect chewing ability.

Dental Care for Adults Over 60

Senior adults over 60 should be attentive in their dental care using best practices for proper oral care, including:

• Regular dental checks at least twice a year
• Proper oral hygiene, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing regularly
• Saliva substitutes can be helpful if experiencing dry mouth
• Dietary changes that include limiting sugary foods and drinks
• Address medication side effects
• Consider using assistive devices like electric toothbrushes or floss holders if needed
• See the dentist when any changes occur such as mouth pain and tooth sensitivity

Contact Us at Hamby Family Dental Center Today for Better Oral Health at Any Age

Our team at Hamby Family Dental Center, your Fuquay-Varina dentist, is dedicated to you and your overall oral health. We are committed to helping you maintain good oral health at any age–from pre-birth through the senior years. Contact us today for a checkup. Call us at  919-552-2431 or complete the form below.