How do our teeth change between our 20s, 30s and 40s?
20s
In our 20s, we've generally graduated from the care of our parents and this is usually when young adults’ oral care tends to go downhill - if they don’t see a dentist regularly! We can also start to see shifting caused by a relapse from braces worn during teen years. People in their 20s tend to stop wearing their retainers and the teeth begin to shift. Also cavities go undetected, again typically from absence of seeing a dentist regularly.
30s
In our 30s we start to see gums receding, prevalence of wear from grinding and more shifting. Teeth also start their darkening around this age.
40s
Our 40s is where some really start to see their smile break down. Aggressive wear, severe shifting, bone loss or large amounts of gum recession. The teeth, at this point, have endured our most stressful years of work or strain and it begins to take a toll.
So as we age our teeth need a little more care and attention, how can we keep our teeth looking bright and healthy?
Prevention is the best care. Make sure you see a qualified dentist regularly, it will save you a lot of time and expense in the future. Practice proper oral care, oral hygiene and stay on top of what needs to be done. Be informed of all options to achieve your teeth goals and choose a plan that is achievable both financially and in terms of commitment. There are many different roads that lead to a great smile.
[pullquotes bg_image_id="35187" quote="Dentists are actually licensed to practice all disciplines of dentistry, but there are specialists available for each discipline." quotee="Dr. Apa"]
Are holistic approaches like oil pulling and activated charcoal for teeth whitening beneficial or just a gimmick?
Gimmick! Follow Proper oral hygiene with good toothpaste, mouth rinse and floss twice daily along with professional cleanings and maintenance every 6 months. This is all you need to stay on top of things.
Are at-home teeth brightening methods like whitening strips damaging to our teeth?
Not at all. It's all a measure of comfort and finding a product that you'll stick with to see lasting results. I have just released my own at home whitening kit, Apa White Duo, which has had tremendous success.
Are there any mistakes/misconceptions that women make when taking care of their teeth?
Many. Some are getting dentistry done by the wrong dentist, you really have to be careful and go to someone qualified to do the procedures indicated. Jack of all trade master of none type of thing. Dentists are actually licensed to practice all disciplines of dentistry, but there are specialists available for each discipline. I would always go with a specialist that is performing these procedures all day every day, not someone who is dabbling in a little of each.
