Why You Need Dentistry At Every Stage of Life
From infants to centenarians, people at all stages of life can benefit from regular dental checkups. Even in those too old or young to have teeth, dentists perform an important role in assessing the health of the gums and of the mouth as a whole. Here are a few good reasons why people in every age group should maintain regular contact with dentistry services.
Kids
All responsible parents should take their kids to see a dentist regularly. Ideally, the first dental appointment should take place soon after the first tooth appears. The dentist can ensure that the tooth is healthy and check that the gums are healthy enough to support it.
As kids get older, dentists can keep an eye on the development of the teeth, ensuring that they erupt with the correct alignment. Regular professional dental cleanings, along with a healthy diet and a good home hygiene routine, can help to prevent cavities in kids.
Teens
Adolescence is the most common stage of life to need orthodontic treatment. As adult teeth come through to replace baby teeth, it is important to have regular dental checkups to ensure that they are properly aligned. Crowding, especially at the back of the mouth, can lead to pain and difficulties cleaning between and around the teeth, which can result in decay. Dentists can recommend orthodontic treatment to address crowding and produce a straighter smile.
Young Adults
Busy young adults often fall out of the habit of attending regular dental checkups. They might assume that their teeth will stay strong and healthy as long as they brush and floss. While a good dental hygiene routine certainly helps to reduce the risk of decay, it is still important to see a dentist regularly so you can spot caries in their earliest stages.
Older Adults
As adults approach old age, dental appointments become more important than ever. By this stage of life, it is common to have a few fillings, which dentists need to check regularly to ensure they are still doing their job of protecting the teeth.
Tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging, but it is very common. If you end up having one or more of your teeth removed, you should speak to your dentist about options for replacement, as leaving a gap can cause your remaining teeth to shift into misalignment. Dental implants, bridges or partial dentures could all be good solutions for you.
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