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Dentistry for the Entire Family: How Dental Services Differ by Age

You may be wondering what dental care looks like for each member of your family and how it will grow with them. In this post, our the Okanagan Valley dentists talk about dentistry at each stage of life, for the kids, teens, adults and seniors in your family and what you can expect along the way.

What can I expect of dental services for each member of my family?

Looking Ahead With Dental Care For Kids

Your dentist will focus on setting up a foundation for lifelong dental health for your children. We provide a comprehensive range of dental services for children at Peachland Dental Centre.

Beginning around 6 to 12 months of age, routine visits to the dentist will help provide the ongoing care they need for optimal dental health. We provide regular cleanings and exams and review proper preventive hygiene techniques at each appointment to ensure their teeth receive appropriate care at home.

For children at a higher risk than average of tooth decay, or for those that have special circumstances or needs, restorative dental services or customized treatment plans may be recommended.

Preventive and Orthodontic Care For Teens

Once your child has entered their teen years, their dental needs will have changed drastically. While they still require ongoing preventive health, your dentist will now shift their focus to orthodontic care and offering advice for good oral hygiene.

As many teens are concerned about their appearance at this age and having a healthy, white smile, we will educate them about the connection between dental hygiene practices and the appearance of their smiles.

If orthodontic care is needed, teens will be referred to an orthodontist for assessment and perhaps require treatment with braces, clear aligners, a retainer or other dental appliances.

Restorative Dental Care For Adults

A large number of adults suffer from the early stages of gum disease, which if left untreated can lead to serious pain and discomfort along with further complications. Preventive care should continue to be top of mind for adults, including at-home care and regular visits to dentists for hygiene cleanings.

Many times, the wisdom teeth will need to be removed once they have erupted as these can create dental issues. Sometimes, oral surgery, specialized care, appliances or other treatments will be recommended for specific issues such as TMJ Disorder or sleep apnea.

If restorative services such as crowns, bridges or fillings are required, we are happy to offer these and address any questions and concerns you may have.

Monitoring the Ongoing Dental Health of Seniors

As you age, your mouth and teeth will naturally change, and you may also have new needs in terms of medications. This can increase your risk of developing dental health problems, including:

  • Dry mouth (caused by medications)
  • Need for tooth replacements or dentures
  • Tooth decay or cavities
  • Oral cancer
  • Gum disease or periodontitis

As you age you may notice a decrease in the sensitivity you experience when eating hot or cold things. This is because the nerves in your teeth can shrink as you get older. Conversely, if gum tissue recedes this could cause your teeth to become more sensitive as root tissue is left exposed.

The buildup of plaque and wear on your tooth enamel can also leave you susceptible to other problems. A dentist can examine your smile and help address these by recommending appropriate treatments such as dental implants, restorative services, a gum graft, gum therapy or oral surgery.

Are you in need of dental care services for your family? Contact our the Okanagan Valley dentists to request an appointment today.

New Patients Always Welcome

Looking for a dentist in the Okanagan Valley? We're happily accepting new patients at our dental clinic! Contact us to get started. 

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