Good oral hygiene is paramount to keeping up with your overall health and wellbeing. Along with helping to prevent your teeth from decay, and fighting off bad breath, clean and well-cared-for teeth can help ward away serious health risks throughout your life.
Children
When children are younger, most early visits to the dentist are to familiarize them with the process and to introduce them to the staff. The idea is that if they start early and become comfortable in the dental office, they are less likely to be afraid in the future. This is also an ideal time for the dental team to work alongside parents to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques that will last a lifetime.
Depending on the number of teeth present, some dental visits may include procedures such as checking for cavities, fluoride rinses, or dental cleanings.
As children get a bit older, cavities may appear, both in “baby teeth” and the second set of adult teeth. Metal-free fillings are a great option, making a pretty smile possible, and boosting self-esteem alongside good hygiene.
Young Adults
A common dental procedure for young adults is wisdom tooth extraction. It is important to have wisdom teeth checked by a dentist, so they can assess the situation before the teeth erupt and cause problems such as overcrowding or misalignment. Young adults may also consider Invisalign as an alternative to braces to straighten crooked teeth.
Adults
Adults see the dentist for many of the same services that children and young adults receive. When the dentist takes x-rays, they are more likely to show a little more wear than before.
To keep that healthy-looking smile, many adults choose to undergo tooth whitening, get veneers or choose another smile makeover procedure.
Pregnancy can cause gingivitis and an increased risk of tooth decay. Some women may be encouraged to have more frequent check-ups while pregnant to alleviate bleeding gums due to changes in hormones and maintain good oral health.
Routine cancer examinations also begin in the adult years. This includes checking for lumps or irregularities inside the mouth or around the head and neck.
Seniors
Senior citizens benefit from many of the same treatments as their younger counterparts, such as digital x-rays, fluoride rinses, and cancer examinations.
Some seniors experience reduced mobility and dexterity, making oral hygiene practices difficult, so regular dental check-ups are important to prevent the build-up of plaque and potential periodontitis.
Tooth decay is more likely to occur in older adults, and some seniors may experience gum recession or even tooth loss. Bridges, crowns, implants, and dentures are common cosmetic treatments in this age group providing seniors with a healthy and bright smile.
Dental treatments for seniors are more important than ever, not only for aesthetic reasons but to improve health. Gum problems that aren’t treated can worsen chronic health problems like rheumatism, stroke and heart disease, and diabetes.
No matter your age, regular dental check-ups, and good oral hygiene practices are essential for a great smile and your overall health. At Potomac Dental Group, our promise to patients is to educate them about their teeth so they are empowered to make more informed decisions about their oral health and aesthetics. To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team at 301-983-2165.
