Dental Changes and Challenges with Ageing

Dental changes occur throughout life and are influenced by various factors. In childhood, the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth marks a significant dental change.

As individuals age, natural wear and tear, as well as lifestyle choices like diet and oral hygiene, can lead to changes such as enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum recession. As one ages, the challenges of dental change will eventually happen, here are some of them for you to be aware of:

Discomfort and Sensitivity

Eruption of new teeth is common during childhood, discomfort is inevitable during these circumstances. Moreover, new teeth are more susceptible to being very sensitive to different textures. The challenge there is to endure the discomfort and eventually overcome it. Aside from the eruption of new teeth, discomfort and sensitivity also happen with the removal of a tooth, this happens more frequently to individuals who are older.

Natural Wear and Tear

As time passes, it is normal for your teeth to experience wear and tear. Cavity build-up is also common in children, and natural tooth wear is normal among elderly people. Thus, it is important for one to always have regular dental checkups to be aware of your dental health. Regular dental cleaning is also advised to mitigate the risk of dental issues.

Misalignments or malocclusions

If one frequently loses a tooth during childhood, misalignment or malocclusion would likely happen. Malocclusion is commonly known as “bad bites”; this happens when there are misalignment among the teeth. This is a bit of a challenge, as misalignment and malocclusion can be costly and time-consuming to fix. When you are experiencing this, it is best to have orthodontic treatments. 

Anxiety or Fear

One of the challenges of dental health is having anxiety and fear. This is a result of traumatic experiences from childhood, especially during the removal of a tooth. Some orthodontic treatments such as root canals, tooth extraction, fillings, and braces are a bit terrifying to face. That is why having anxiety and fear during dental or orthodontic treatments is common.

Impact on Self-esteem and Confidence

Teeth are one of the bases of aesthetic preference in a person’s beauty. That is why dental changes can evidently have a negative impact on the self, affecting one’s self-esteem and confidence. Misalignment is one of the major causes of losing the self-esteem and confidence of an individual. However, if you have access to orthodontic treatments, this challenge can be fixed easily.

Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, encompassing the maintenance and care of teeth, gums, and the oral cavity. Regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are vital in preventing dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 

Good dental health promotes proper chewing, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption, while also contributing to confident smiles and self-esteem. By prioritising dental health and adopting healthy habits, individuals can achieve a brighter and healthier smile while safeguarding their overall health.