Just like the rest of your body, your teeth will change as you age. Even the patients who take very good care of their teeth, doing diligent preventive care at home and keeping all dental exam and cleaning appointments, can run into oral health problems eventually. The reality is this: Your teeth are important at every age. There is no age when it’s OK to slack on dental care or to think that your teeth don’t need professional attention. If you follow these tips for the decades of your life, you’ll be on the right track to good oral health in the present and future.

When you’re in your 20s…

As you are starting out in adulthood, leaving college, working an entry-level job, and paying bills for the first time while trying to maintain a fun lifestyle, money can be tight. You will be cutting corners here and there and your dental appointments may be one area where you decide to trim your budget. But if you give up on professional oral health care, even if you’re brushing twice a day and flossing once at home every day, plaque will still build up. You’ll be at greater risk for developing cavities and then you’ll be in pain and will have to pay more for dental repairs than for basic twice-yearly cleanings and exams. Take care of your teeth now – even if you don’t have dental insurance. You’ll be thankful for it later.
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When you’re in your 30s…

Many people in their 30s are married and have kids. If you do have children, there is a good chance that their care is taking a front seat to your own self-care. And there is a good chance that your teeth are suffering for it. Set a good example for the little ones in your life and let them see you going to the dentist. Let them see you taking care of your oral health, and even investing in Invisalign to improve your smile and overall confidence. Investing in yourself is an investment in your family – take care of you and you’ll be better equipped to take care of them.
For many people in their 30s, career is just as important as family, and a smile makeover can help you achieve the professional goals you have set for yourself. Having an aligned smile can make you more forceful and persuasive whatever your area of work. Professionally speaking, a new smile can help you land the job, the promotion, and the respect of your colleagues.
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When you’re in your 40s…

Your fifth decade is when age really starts to make a mark. You’ll notice more lines and wrinkles on your face. You may even begin to see that your teeth are aging, whether with discoloration or breakage. If you haven’t been keeping up with your oral health, now is the time when you’re going to feel the effects of that decision the most. As you age, tooth enamel thins naturally. This effect can show stains more easily. If you’re ready to make a change, cosmetic dentistry is often one of the best choices at this age – prepless veneers and teeth whitening are popular smile makeover options.
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When you’re in your 50s and beyond…

Middle age is when dental changes can really hit you hard. Old cavities may be shattering, especially if they’ve been filled with amalgam fillings rather than the safer tooth-colored composite fillings. Teeth may be breaking, causing a need for restorative dentistry techniques like porcelain crowns. Some teeth may become infected and require root canal therapy or even extraction, which will result in the need for dental implants. Advanced age makes you susceptible to far more oral health complications, especially if you haven’t taken care of your teeth over the years. The good news is that anti-aging dentistry is a reality, and just one or two cosmetic dentistry procedures can rejuvenate your smile and take years off of your appearance.
Make the time to care for your oral health at every age so that your overall health and well-being is maintained and so you look good too. Questions about your specific oral health concerns? Make an appointment with Dr. John Moore in San Antonio to discuss your smile makeover options.