As we age, our bodies and lifestyles change. Seniors face reduced physical ability, which makes it more difficult for them to manipulate toothbrushes and properly brush their teeth. Lower mobility also increases the likelihood of skipping regular hygiene visits, which are crucial to maintaining good oral health. These factors combined with increased rates of debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes, are a recipe for dental problems. 

We often assume that middle-aged patients fall in the safe category – unlike younger patients, they are mature and have the life experience to make good health decisions; however, unlike senior patients, they don’t yet have the advanced health problems detrimental to oral health. But, the assumption that this age group is safe from risk is false. Risk factors for the middle-aged include root exposure, drug- or disease-induced xerostomia, multisurface and interproximal restorations, reduced or lack of fluoridated water consumption (because they drink bottled water) and recent decay. They might also be undergoing radiation or chemotherapy or have addiction problems. In a lot of ways, middle-aged adults need more attention and preventive care than younger patients.
 
Amy Porto, RDH, CDA, describes how to look after middle-aged patients to ensure the best outcome given this age group’s unique circumstances.

Mature adults are at increased risk for root caries due to a combination of exposed roots and xerostomia. Cementum and dentin have half the mineral content of enamel so...

Young adults who developed unhealthy oral self-care habits in high school and college are likely to keep them for life unless they make a conscious effort to focus on preventive efforts that will change the oral pH and reduce the level of S mutans and lactobacillus in the mouth. It is never too late to improve your oral hygiene, and patients in their 20s should ensure they are taking proper care of their teeth and gums if they want to keep a healthy smile for a lifetime. Many patients are not aware that caries is a bacterial infection caused by an imbalance of healthy bacteria. Since patients who present caries in the previous two years are at risk for developing another lesion, it is crucial to educate them about the development of caries and the lifestyle changes that will need to take place for them to change their oral pH and reduce the level of the unfavorable bacteria in the mouth.

As students transition from high school to college, they have to adjust to a new more independent life. Young adults need to balance classes, papers, exams, and projects while trying to maintain a social life and getting enough sleep to get them through the day. Being left with little to no parental supervision and support for the first time, it’s difficult for students to achieve a healthy balance. Busy schedules often mean that health is not being prioritized. College students opt for convenience when it comes to food; grabbing a slice of pizza or making ramen noodles seems faster and easier than preparing a healthy meal from scratch. It’s no wonder the dreaded “Freshman 15” is such a common phenomenon. But students’ waistlines are not the only thing affected by this type of diet – their teeth and gums suffer too.

Having straight teeth is important for many patients for aesthetic reasons – everyone wants a perfect Hollywood smile – but dental professionals know that there are more benefits to properly aligned teeth than just appearance. Straight teeth make it easier for patients to clean their teeth, help them chew more easily, prevent jaw pain, reduce wear and risk for dental injury, and much more. It’s no wonder many parents decide to proceed with orthodontic treatment for their tweens and teens as soon as it’s recommended by their doctor. It isn’t uncommon to see braces and aligners on adults too; however, with younger patients, it’s especially crucial to stress the importance of maintaining a proper diet and oral hygiene as their habits are still forming. Teens and tweens love sticky and sugary snacks and drinks, and it might be harder for them to say no when offered soda or popcorn by a friend than it would be for an adult. Grown patients will typically exhibit more proactive behavior but it is always a good idea to remind them that they need to keep good oral hygiene to prevent dental and gum disease while straightening their teeth (and beyond, of course!).

The new school year is just around the corner! In a few weeks, children’s schedules will start to fill with various school and after-school activities. Between rushed breakfasts to catch the school bus, vending machine snacks at lunch, and quick dinners between soccer practice and homework time, it’s easy for kids to forget about brushing and flossing their teeth. This leaves plenty of opportunities for dental bacteria to develop. It is well known that caries and premature tooth loss negatively affect the child’s learning, development, and self-esteem. As children go back to school, it is crucial for them to feel confident and ready to learn; healthy teeth and gums help young students achieve their full potential. The good news is that with the right prevention protocol, you can ensure your pediatric patients maintain a healthy smile not only now but throughout their lifetime!

Teething can begin as early as 3 months and by the time the child is about 3 years old, they should have all 20 baby teeth. The importance of baby teeth can sometimes be underappreciated by parents who assume they shouldn’t be too concerned since baby teeth ultimately will fall out. Dental professionals know this assumption can lead to inadequate dental care which, in turn, can cause various issues including decay, tooth loss, pain, difficulty chewing or speaking and even low self-esteem. No child should have to suffer due to preventable dental problems. We strongly encourage all dental professionals to participate in our Prevention for Life^® program which is designed to help get patients through each stage of life with a beautiful, healthy simile, and maintain oral health that will last throughout their lifetime!

Our Prevention for Life^® program is about getting patients through every stage of life with a healthy smile. To achieve this goal, we remind dental professionals that preventative procedures should start with the first baby tooth. Although many believe children don’t need to see a dentist until toddlerhood, the first dental visit should happen much sooner as even very young children can experience dental disease that, if left untreated, can cause major damage in childhood years and beyond. 1 of 5 children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated, decayed tooth. The good news is that caries is preventable and can be managed with the help and care of a dental professional. Therefore, parents should be encouraged to visit the dentist with their babies as soon as they see the first baby tooth erupt.
 
Donna Brogan, RDH, BS, discusses the importance of first teeth and what impact first dental visits can have on the oral health of a child:

A true smile is a pure emotional reaction that we can’t control. It’s the first thing people see when you meet them, and it can make a lasting impression. Today, many researchers think that smiles can also show a person’s true nature. Read more in this interesting blog post by Robin Koontz.