Your health needs change as you age, and your teeth are no exception. Each phase of life brings new requirements and challenges, so it’s important to adjust your oral care habits over time. In addition to seeing your dentist for regular checkups, consider this dental wellness guide. The following are some common oral issues you might encounter during different phases of your life and how the right care strategies can help. 

Caring for Your Teeth In Your 20s, 30s & 40s

20s

One of the main challenges that you might face at this age is remembering to see your dentist. Your parents may have booked your dentist appointments when you were a teenager, but now you are responsible for scheduling your cleanings twice per year. Some people in their twenties may still slack on brushing and flossing. However, if you stick with healthy habits now, they will help you prevent issues later in life and avoid problems like gum disease. 

30s

Oral health issues like tooth sensitivity surface in your thirties, so talk to your dentist about any unusual symptoms. As your health needs change, you may need to adjust your care habits. For example, if your teeth are sensitive, you will need to use a softer brush with special sensitivity toothpaste. Continue to see your dentist semi-annually and brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes. If you have a busy family life, it can be hard. Brush your teeth with your children and cluster dentist appointments for the family on a single day.  

40s

By the time you are in your 40s, you likely have your oral care routine down. However, as you age, your risk for certain dental issues increases; people in their 40s may get gum disease. About 47% of adults over 30 have periodontal disease, and this increases to 70% for adults over 65. Brush your gums and use fluoride mouthwash. People in their 40s may notice more teeth discoloration, as surface stains have developed. This is a great time to talk about professional teeth whitening with your dentist.

For healthy teeth at any age, see the team at Tri-State Dental Care in Fort Wright, KY. These dentists serve patients in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Southeast Indiana, offering a wide variety of general and cosmetic services. They provide teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and more. They also keep same-day appointments available for emergencies. You can visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (859) 426-2790 to make an appointment.