Protecting your patients’ oral health isn’t just important to maintaining a stunning smile. it is also linked to their overall well-being at every age. As people go through different stages, their oral health is vulnerable to various age-related threats. Understanding these risks and taking appropriate preventative measures can help protect patients’ smiles for a lifetime.
Here’s what to tell patients about the specific oral health threats to watch out for:
Infancy and childhood (0-12 years)
It is a common misconception that young children’s oral health is not important because baby teeth are permanent. In fact, 42% of children show caries from 2 to 11 years old. Positive oral health habits start in infancy and childhood and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At this stage, these threats are worrying:
Baby bottle tooth wear: When a baby’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, formula or juice for extended periods, it can lead to tooth decay. For example, putting an infant to bed with a bottle of anything other than water can cause harmful bacteria to grow in their mouth, which can lead to tooth discoloration, tooth decay, or early tooth loss. This condition can be prevented by cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth after each feeding.
Thumb and pacifier sucking: Thumb and pacifier sucking is a natural reflex in infants and young children that provides comfort and a sense of security. However, prolonged thumb and pacifier sucking can negatively affect your child’s teeth alignment and jaw development, which can cause orthodontic and speech problems as they grow older. Help your child break the thumb and pacifier habit before they reach the age of 5 to prevent oral health complications.
Basic bad oral health habits: Failure to develop good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, can set the stage for future oral health problems. Protect your child’s smile at an early age by teaching them to brush their teeth twice a day and by taking them to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
You may also be interested in:
How to protect teeth from acids
Easy ways to care for your teeth and gums (that don’t have to involve flossing)
Adolescence and adolescence (13-19 years)
During puberty, hormonal changes and certain habits can put oral health at risk. This is a particularly important stage as the permanent teeth come in and the jaw finishes growing. Fifty-seven percent of 12- to 19-year-olds; develop dental caries in their permanent teeth mainly due to the following threats:
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty can lead to an increased risk of gum inflammation and gingivitis. Young girls are especially prone to increased blood flow to the gums, which can cause sensitivity and tenderness. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and early detection of oral health problems becomes critical during this time to prevent gum problems.
Orthodontic issues: Many teenagers need orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth or bite problems. Misaligned teeth are notorious for impacting teenagers’ self-esteem, but they can also cause plaque build-up if it’s difficult for them to brush and floss the narrow spaces between crowded teeth. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can effectively correct these problems. Seeking early intervention and working with an orthodontist can help teens achieve a healthier, more aligned smile, improve oral hygiene, boost self-confidence, and pave the way for better long-term oral health.
Smoking, Vaping and Substance Abuse: Teens may experiment with these, all of which can have harmful effects on oral health. These habits can lead to tooth discoloration, gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. Teens can prevent irreversible damage to their oral health by abstaining from smoking, vaping, and substance abuse, or by seeking support to quit smoking.
Adulthood (20-59 years old)
Adults face an ever-increasing set of threats to their oral health. As people age, tooth enamel wears down, people endure different sources of stress and continue to face the dangers of poor diet and oral hygiene habits. Here are some concerns to be aware of in adulthood:
Teeth grinding (bruxism): The stress and anxiety of adult life can lead to teeth grinding, known as bruxism. This condition involves subconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep. Repeated stress can cause tooth wear, jaw pain and headaches, which contribute to enamel damage, sensitivity and tooth fractures. Consulting a dentist is the first step in mitigating the harmful effects of bruxism. The dentist will likely recommend a mouth guard and stress management techniques to alleviate the problem.
A sugary or acidic diet can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease: The threat of tooth decay and periodontal disease increases with age. Almost half –47.2% of all adults aged 30 and over— have some form of gingivitis and 70.1% of adults 65 and older have periodontal disease. Sugary or acidic foods and drinks may seem harmless in the short term, but after years of consuming these products, many adults experience declining oral health. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, leading to painful inflammation that can progress to periodontal disease, gum recession and tooth loss, and contribute to other general health problems. Healthy eating is linked to a healthy life at any stage, but it is especially important to maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and limit sugar in adulthood.
Lack of maintenance of oral health and regular dental cleaning: Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy smile, but busy schedules and financial constraints cause many adults to neglect their oral health, which increases the risk of dental problems. Studies have shown that people with dental benefits are more likely to visit a dentist and have better overall health, thus ensuring reliable and affordable dental insurance can make a positive difference to your long-term oral health. Prioritize brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Elderly (60+ years old)
The physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments experienced with aging can present barriers to oral care at home, transportation to the dentist, and patient communication. Seniors should be aware of these new threats to their oral health:
Physical, sensory and cognitive disorders: Arthritis or other physical limitations can make brushing and flossing difficult for seniors. Sensory and cognitive changes can also affect oral hygiene routines. To maintain their oral health, seniors should seek help if needed and consider using adaptive devices such as electric toothbrushes to help monitor home care.
Xerostomia (dry mouth): Many medications and medical conditions can cause dry mouth, which makes older people more susceptible to tooth decay, as saliva helps neutralize acids and remove food particles. Chronic dry mouth can lead to oral infections, difficulty eating and speaking, bad breath, discomfort, decreased taste, and increased plaque and tartar buildup. Ways to prevent oral damage from dry mouth include staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and using treatments recommended by your doctor.
Oral cancer: The elderly face an increased risk of oral cancer due to age-related changes in oral tissues and long-term exposure to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol. Regular dental checkups are vital for seniors, as dentists can perform oral cancer screenings and detect any suspicious lesions or abnormalities at an early stage.
Oral health is a lifelong commitment and it is essential to be aware of the threats that can affect people at any age. By understanding and addressing age-related risks, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking professional dental care, you can empower patients to protect their oral health and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Prevention is key, so encourage them to make healthy dental habits a part of their daily routine.
