Celebrated every October, National Dental Hygiene Month highlights the essential role of dental hygienists while promoting the importance of protecting your smile. No matter how old you are, brushing and flossing regularly and keeping up with routine dental visits are vital to a healthy smile. At the same time, certain oral health challenges may be more likely to pop up as you age. Being better aware of what these are can help you take steps to prevent or manage them. From childhood through older adulthood, let’s explore some common oral health challenges at every stage of life to help you better protect your smile.
Children
Did you know that cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood? Even babies can experience tooth decay! While it’s true that baby teeth eventually fall out, keeping them healthy supports the permanent teeth that are developing underneath them. Research shows that taking care of your child’s smile also benefits their academic performance and overall well-being. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends establishing healthy habits early by brushing children’s teeth as soon as they appear and taking them to the dentist by their first birthday.
Teens
Tooth decay continues to be an oral health threat into the teen years. While this is often caused by regularly consuming sugary foods and drinks, additional factors can also play a role. For example, teens with untreated orthodontic issues may have a harder time keeping their teeth clean, so a visit to the orthodontist may be in order. Teens may want to avoid mouth piercings — which can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection — as well as habits like smoking or vaping, which can cause gum disease, bad breath and even oral cancer. Finally, for teens who play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can prevent injury or tooth loss.
Adults
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults age 30 and older suffer from gum disease. What many don’t realize is the bacteria that cause gum disease can impact other areas of the body, including the heart, lungs and blood sugar levels. Besides brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding habits like smoking or vaping can go a long way toward a healthy smile and an overall healthier you. Also, if you find yourself grinding your teeth, a condition called bruxism, you may experience wear on your enamel or even problems with your jaw. Ask your dentist for recommendations such as using a mouthguard while you sleep.
Older Adults
Adults may experience additional oral health concerns as they grow older. For example, dry mouth affects 30% of adults over 65 and is often caused by certain prescription medications or health conditions. Because dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities, the ADA suggests that older adults sip water throughout the day and limit their consumption of sugary or alcoholic beverages. Older adults are also at increased risk of oral cancer. Catching oral cancer early significantly increases your chances of a positive outcome, so be sure to ask your dentist about being screened during your next visit.
While there are certain oral health challenges that come during different phases of life, daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist are vital to maintaining a healthy smile at any age. Be sure to discuss any specific oral health concerns you may have with your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment. Schedule online today!
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