For example –
Adults are more prone to enamel erosion. There is a limited amount of enamel on your teeth and age, eating foods that are highly acidic, a lack of oral health care and brushing too aggressively, can increase the risk of erosion. As enamel wears away, the dentin is exposed, and teeth become sensitive. In order to protect the teeth, we can perform a bonding procedure or place dental crowns around them. This addresses the sensitivity problem and makes it possible to eat without feeling discomfort.
As people age, they also are more likely to suffer from gum disease. As plaque builds up underneath the gum tissue, the gums can become irritated, start to swell, bleed, and eventually recede. The pockets created by the receding gum tissue can pose a risk since bacteria can gather here and begin to attack the exposed tooth structure and roots. This is what often leads to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. As the best dentist in town, we can watch for signs of gum disease and treat it before it reaches this point.
While children are not at as high of a risk for gum disease, they can suffer from it. Typically, however, children are more likely to suffer from cavities. They are so prevalent in children that cavities are the number one infectious disease in children, according to the CDC. This is perhaps due to a diet that tends to be high in sugar and starch in combination with the fact that most children do not enjoy brushing or flossing their teeth. We recommend that you bring your child to our dental office twice a year for a thorough teeth cleaning so that we can remove plaque and prevent cavities. During this appointment, we can also give them a fluoride treatment and use sealant if necessary for preventing food particles and plaque from becoming stuck on the chewing surfaces of their teeth. Understanding the risks that come with childhood allows us to help your child to remain in excellent oral health now and as they age.
As the best dentist in town, we also understand that tooth loss is something that can impact our patients, regardless of how old they are. While young, teeth are typically lost due to an accident. As you age, this is often due to gum disease. Understanding the differences between the health struggles that various age groups face, allows us to make treatment recommendations that can prevent issues from arising. For more information, call and schedule an appointment with our caring family dentist office.
