The Life Stages Of Teeth

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Through this guide, La Jolla Dental Image Group, in La Jolla, CA will explain the lifecycle of teeth and how to properly maintain your teeth.

 

The common life  stages include 

  1. The newborn stage 
  2. Child stage
  3. Teenager stage
  4. Early adulthood Stage
  5. Over 40 stage

#1 The Newborn Stage

Even though you can only see pink gums in a crying baby, teeth have already been created.  The teeth begin forming six weeks after conception. Newborn’s teeth begin to erupt two to three months after they are born and several teeth will be in place after four months. The babies’ teeth will hold a space for the adult teeth so a baby still needs to take care of their teeth.  During this toothless stage, you can take care of the baby’s mouth by using a cold and wet cloth towel to wipe the gums. When the first baby tooth erupts you can start brushing your infant’s baby teeth with water to remove the plague. 

#2 Child Stage

Around the age of two, children can use a kid’s toothpaste to clean their teeth. At the age of approximately six, children will start developing permanent teeth. These permanent teeth will start to put pressure on the roots of the baby’s teeth. The roots are reabsorbed into the gums over time and will cause baby teeth to get loose. The permanent tooth can take around six months to erupt and find its place in the mouth. During this time, your child can transition to adult toothpaste if he or she knows how to spit. Keep in mind that there is no specific age at which a child needs to change to using adult toothpaste.

#3 Teenager Stage

During the teenage years, people continue the transition into permanent teeth. The teeth are the hardest substance in the human body. The permanent teeth play an important role in important functions like chewing and speech. We recommend making any visible adaptions to your teeth during this time including using alignment treatments such as Invisalign. We also recommend that you protect your teeth as much as possible with treatments such as night guards and sports guards. During this time, solidifying your teenager’s oral routine is important. The standard oral hygiene routine should include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You will need to have dental cleanings and teeth whitening treatments regularly to keep your teenager’s smile bright.

 

#4 Early Adulthood Stage 

The last set of teeth to erupt are your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17-25. These teeth generally erupt the following way, two at the top and two at the bottom. If your wisdom teeth become impacted or do not erupt then you might need a surgical tooth extraction. During this phase, your adult teeth are all in and your daily habits decide the health of your teeth. However, the natural deterioration of using your teeth may lead to needing a major procedure such as crowns, fillings, root canals, and bridges, to save your natural teeth. 

 

#5 Over 40 Stage 

After years of deterioration, it is normal for a person to require major dental work for reasons related to tooth decay, tooth loss, or gum disease. If saving your teeth is not possible due to severe decay, you will need a tooth extraction. You should replace your missing teeth with dental implants, dentures, or a complete Smile Makeover. 

What Factors Affect A Tooth’s Lifecycle?

    • Pregnancy: Women entering their second trimester are likely to develop mild gum disease that leads to sensitive bleeding gums. You may also feel like your teeth are becoming slightly loose or more sensitive after morning sickness. 
    • Lifestyle choices: People who smoke, excessively drink alcohol, and have an unhealthy diet are at a bigger risk of decaying their teeth faster. To prevent this decay, eating a healthy diet for your teeth includes one that is high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C. 
    • Poor oral hygiene: If you do not take care of your teeth with good oral hygiene they will get ruined faster. 
    • Trauma: Injuries to your teeth can affect their lifecycle. 
    • Other conditions: Certain conditions such as diabetes and cancer, put you at a greater risk of tooth decay which shortens the lifespan of your teeth as well.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly:  When it comes to your teeth your dentist is your best friend. Visiting your dentist regularly right from the start can prolong the lifespan of your teeth. 

If you are interested in receiving any cosmetic, restorative, emergency, and general dentistry near La Jolla, CA, La Jolla Dental Image Group is proud to serve you. Call to make your appointment today.

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