Life can be pretty unpredictable, and that’s not always a bad thing. Each season of life brings new excitement and new challenges. As life in Indiana changes around you, your teeth do too. Here are a few ways your mouth changes over the course of your life. You can keep your dental health up to speed if you invest in regular check-ups and cleanings and establish a consistent dental routine.
Childhood
Although we are all born with teeth under our gums, they don’t begin to emerge until we are several months old. This process can be quite painful (both for the babies and for the adults trying to soothe them). Once a baby has teeth, he or she can begin to consume whole foods and develop better speech. On average, a child should have a full set of baby teeth by age three. Of course, these are only temporary. Many adults say that their earlier memories include the loss of a tooth and its collection by the tooth fairy. This can be either exciting or terrifying, but the process is an important milestone for development. After all, the teeth that a child gains will be the ones that here she has from then forward.
Teenage Years
As kids grow up, their permanent teeth can shift. Misalignment is common and can cause speech issues, painful bites, or uncomfortable smiles. This issue can be quickly tackled with corrective devices like braces and retainers. In recent years, Invisalign has emerged as a popular option. This clear device lays on top of teeth but can be removed at any time and offers a level of discretion because of its transparent material. For lots of teens, that means more confident smiles during special occasions like prom, school photos, and graduation. Some teenagers might also have erupting wisdom teeth, which can be extracted to ease up space in the mouth.
Middle Age
As time passes, teeth are exposed to tough foods and eroding agents, like acid and sugar. Cavities might develop, and some can be extreme. In these situations, bridges and crowns might be necessary to relieve pain and protect the mouth from advanced decay. In severe situations, an extraction and replacement implant might be the best choice. Women who become pregnant will need to take special care of their teeth to avoid gingivitis and other oral health issues. Those with heart issues or high blood pressure should also be mindful of how dental health can impact their bodies overall. This is also a common time for oral cancer to rear its head, and individuals should be looking for signs like discoloration or strange spots on gums.
Senior Years
Older individuals have unique dental concerns, too. Seniors with special conditions, like diabetes, need to take extra steps to ensure their oral health is been taken care of. Many seniors also deal with tooth loss because of general wear and tear and habits like smoking or chewing tobacco over the course of a lifetime. Dentures or a full set of dental implants are common options at this stage of life.
While everyone’s life is unique, most are filled with dental milestones to keep in mind. Whether you are nine or 90, the way you take care of your mouth matters. Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist and don’t hesitate to ask questions about your dental health along the way.
