From children to adolescents to adults to seniors, dental care needs change from generation to generation. While some changes are obvious, others are not, and the right general dentistry practice will be able to tend to you and your family throughout your lives.
The Kid Zone
Small children are initiated into the world of dentistry when they begin losing their teeth between ages 5 and 7. Their dental needs, however, begin far earlier. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see the dentist by age 1. You may think your child is too young to see the dentist or that they don’t have enough teeth to warrant a trip to your Johns Creek dentist, but that is not the case.
Keeping baby teeth clean, healthy, and in place until they are lost naturally helps your child chew properly, develop good speech, and saves space for permanent teeth. One of the most important reasons to introduce your child to the dentist early is so he or she becomes comfortable in that environment. Many people with dental anxiety develop such feelings at a young age. Normalizing dentistry early and stressing the importance of taking good care of teeth and gums are important lessons to learn.
As baby teeth are lost and adult teeth begin to erupt, it is a good idea to consider dental sealants for your child’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay, especially since young children are known for not always having the best oral health habits.
Adolescents Unlimited
When people think of teens and teeth, braces naturally come to mind. Your child should have an orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7 to see how teeth are coming in and whether early intervention can help prevent more involved orthodontic care later. When your child’s adult teeth have all erupted and they clearly need braces, your Johns Creek dentist will present all available options.
Traditional metal braces are always on the table for teens, and while this may not be the most desirable option for your adolescent, it is one of the most effective. Many teens are also good candidates for Invisalign braces, and that makes young people happy since they don’t like to draw more attention to themselves than necessary.
Calling All Adults
The truth is this: Many adults neglect their teeth. Whether it’s a busy job, family obligations, or lack of dental insurance that impacts your decision to skip the dentist, there is never a good reason to put your oral health on the back burner.
You may brush and floss at home every day, but that isn’t enough. Professional preventive care is necessary to help maintain good oral health and remove plaque and bacteria you cannot reach on your own. Regular dental visits give your Johns Creek dentist the ability to keep an eye on how your oral health changes, so problems like gingivitis, cracks in your teeth, oral cancer, and more are recognized before they cause major problems.
Cosmetic dentistry may also be something you consider as an adult. You may want to finally straighten your teeth with Invisalign and then get a professional teeth-whitening treatment. It may be time for a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. Your options are many and customized to your needs.
Saluting Seniors
By the time you reach senior status, your teeth have been working hard for a lifetime. While worn enamel, gum recession, and broken teeth can happen at any point in adulthood, you are far more susceptible to oral health problems as a senior. Your risk of developing periodontal disease increases, and the earlier you can get treatment for this oral health problem, the fewer complications you will experience.
If you are missing teeth, they will need to be replaced so your face is not further aged by their absence. Dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges can all get this job done. You are never too young for a smile upgrade, whether that means restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry. You can discuss all the options with your dentist to find out what is best for your oral health.
Take the time to choose a general dentistry practice that, along with preventive care, also offers cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics to serve you and your family through the years. Contact Family & Cosmetic Dental Care in Johns Creek to make an appointment with Dr. Mitul Patel for any member of your family.
