As adults, we often know that our oral health is important. But it’s also uniquely important for children and seniors as well. Smiles of every age have different problems than may arise. Dr. Dhara Patel of Best Dental Spa, a dentist in Hoffman Estates, IL, explains the importance of family dentistry.
Age-Specific Treatment Options
Just like the rest of our bodies, our mouths change a lot over the years. Certain ages are more susceptible to certain dental problems. You may not think that children’s primary teeth are as important as adult teeth, but they’re crucial in setting the foundation of your child’s oral health. Your child should be brought to the dentist after the first tooth erupts.
Tooth decay is a large problem for children. To help prevent this, we teach both children and parents the proper ways to brush and floss those tiny teeth. Dental sealants are also an easy option to add an extra layer of protection. They’re painted on the cusps of the molars and other hard to reach areas that are more likely to experience tooth decay.
Senior patients are more likely to face certain problems as well. As we age, our teeth naturally get darker and patients look for whitening solutions. Tooth loss is also more prominent as we age. We offer many tooth replacement options, including dental implants, so we can find the perfect one for your particular case.
Catching Problems Early
As with most medical issues, it’s easier to treat things that are caught early on. We can use more conservative methods and disrupt your overall life less. This is true with dentistry as well. Family dentistry involves regular checkups. Using our expertise and diagnostic tools, we can compare the state of your mouth compared with that of the last visit to see if there have been changes.
Particularly with children, mouths will be growing and changing a lot in the span of a few months. Thumb-sucking and pacifier habits can cause issues with the growth and development of a child’s jaw and teeth. As adult teeth are growing in, they may be crooked. We can offer invisible braces or refer your child to a local orthodontist if we notice any prominent issues.
Creating Healthy Habits
Oral health is important throughout every stage of life. If that’s realized early on, it’s easier to make it a lifetime habit. Getting children used to the dentist early also helps minimize the risk that they’ll develop dental anxiety that can prevent them from getting care in the future. You’re able to sit with your child and reassure them that it’s okay, and they can watch you get your teeth cleaned, knowing it’s something they don’t have to be afraid of.
Schedule With Your Hoffman Estates, Illinois Dentist
No matter the age, we can give you the specialized dental care you need. Call us or schedule an appointment online.
