What Happens to Your Teeth Through the Years?
Tue, Apr 4th, 2023
Our teeth are an essential part of our body, and they play a crucial role in our everyday life, from chewing food to speaking and smiling. However, our teeth are not static; they change throughout our lives. These changes can be influenced by various factors, such as age, diet, genetics, and lifestyle habits. In this blog post, we will explore how our teeth change over the years.
Infancy and Childhood
Our teeth development begins before we are even born, and by the time we are born, we already have the buds for all our teeth. However, they are hidden beneath our gums and don't emerge until around six months of age, when the first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, start to come in. By the age of three, most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth.
During childhood, our teeth go through a lot of changes. They begin to wear down as we chew and bite, and our adult teeth begin to form beneath our gums. This process continues until around the age of 12 when most children have their full set of adult teeth. During this time, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits to ensure the proper development of our teeth.
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
During adolescence and young adulthood, our teeth continue to develop and mature. The last of our permanent teeth, known as wisdom teeth, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth can cause problems, such as overcrowding and impaction, and may need to be removed.
This period is also when many people begin to experience orthodontic problems, such as crooked or crowded teeth and may require braces or other orthodontic treatments. It is crucial to address these issues during adolescence as the teeth are still developing and can be moved more easily.
Adulthood
As we enter adulthood, our teeth continue to change. Our enamel, which is the hard, protective coating on our teeth, can begin to wear down over time, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. Additionally, our gums can recede, exposing the roots of our teeth, which can also cause sensitivity and increase the risk of decay.
Adults are also at risk of developing gum disease, which is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings, to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.
Older Adulthood
As we age, our teeth can become more brittle and prone to chipping and cracking. Additionally, our teeth may become discolored or yellowed due to years of exposure to food, drinks, and other substances that can stain the enamel. Teeth can also become more sensitive as the enamel wears down and the gums recede.
Older adults are also at increased risk of developing oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease, as well as other health problems that can affect their oral health, such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
It is essential for older adults to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits and to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Additionally, older adults may need to consider dental treatments such as dentures, implants, or bridges to replace missing teeth and maintain proper oral health.
Conclusion
Our teeth go through a lot of changes over the years, from the development of our primary and adult teeth to the wear and tear of everyday use. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits throughout our lives is essential to prevent oral health problems and keep our teeth healthy and strong.
Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings are also important to catch and treat any problems early on.
Contact Arnold Dentistry for all of your dental needs!