Why You Need Different Dental Treatment at Different Stages of Life
We usually suggest people come and see us regularly for dental checkups every six months, sometimes more frequently if they have existing dental problems or medical issues that affect dental health. It’s a simple routine that can benefit everyone from childhood onwards.
When people come to see us for the first time, we evaluate their dental health, review their medical history and use this information to create a preventive dental care plan. However, people don’t always realise their dental health changes as they get older, so we regularly review preventive dental care plans. Following a personalised dental care plan ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment, helping natural teeth last for longer, so you benefit from a beautiful smile, no matter your age.
Dental Health during Your 20s
Your 20s is a time of change when many people leave home and lead increasingly busy lives. If you have moved away from your family dentist, it’s important to find a new dental practice and schedule regular dental checkups just like before. Two dental checkups and hygiene appointments annually will typically take two hours or less to complete, which is time anyone can afford.
At this age, wisdom teeth may also begin to cause problems as they come through. We monitor the position of wisdom teeth yet to erupt and can suggest their removal is necessary. During the late 20s, people often think about improving their smile and teeth whitening is increasingly popular. Others are interested in adult orthodontics, especially if they didn’t have the chance to wear braces during childhood.
Dental Health during Your 30s
You should have a well-established dental home by this age, where you can visit a dental team you trust to care for your oral health. It’s important to keep up with a good preventive dental care regime, especially as people sometimes develop unexpected dental problems. These may be due to lifestyle or dietary changes, and the first signs of gum disease can start to show.
Dental Health during Your 40s
Life can become stressful when you are in your 40s, and we can check to make sure you don’t have any signs of bruxism, where people clench and grind their teeth during sleep. It’s also when some people start needing more extensive dental work such as root canal therapy or crowns. Making sure you visit us regularly greatly minimises the risk of more severe dental issues, including tooth loss.
Dental Health during Your 50s
Oral health needs during your 50s are similar to your 40s, but there can be an increased risk of gum disease and other health conditions like sleep apnoea. Also, it’s worth planning for the day when you stop working. Increasingly, older people will choose treatments such as dental implants to restore missing teeth. Others are celebrating retirement with a smile makeover, perhaps having procedures like teeth whitening or veneers, or are straightening their teeth with invisible braces like Invisalign.