Have you never prioritized going to the dentist? Do you prefer to endure the agony of a toothache rather than set foot in the clinic? Many people do not consider oral hygiene as an essential part of body care and would rather endure discomfort than schedule an appointment with the dentist. Most of these individuals belong to the two groups that visit the dentist the least: young people and the elderly.
The reasons? They are many and varied, although generally, it is due to:
- lack of habit or neglect
- fear of pain during dental treatment
- panic over needles or aversion to sounds
- limited mobility
- difficulty maintaining the posture of keeping the mouth open for a long time
Childhood and adolescence: key stages for strong oral health
Although visiting the dentist should be a regular practice at all ages, the truth is that it becomes even more important during periods of hormonal change. During the transition from childhood to adolescence, throughout adolescence, and in old age, our bodies undergo numerous changes that can affect our teeth. Teeth increase their strength during youth, up until the wisdom teeth emerge. These teeth can cause crowding of other teeth if there isn’t enough space in the mouth to accommodate them. Additionally, due to their position at the very back of the mouth, they are harder to brush, making them vulnerable to cavities and other issues.
Frequent visits to the dentist from childhood can even prevent improper eruption of wisdom teeth and their potential consequences, as well as avoid the uncomfortable pain they sometimes cause. However, visiting the dentist from a young age not only helps us prepare for wisdom teeth. Instilling good oral hygiene habits in children will help them prevent more serious complications and other diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontal problems.
Only 26% of Elderly People Visit the Dentist
The vast majority of older adults visit the dentist only when they experience significant cases of periodontal disease, unbearable pain, or discomfort caused by dental prosthetics. Moreover, despite being the group most prone to oral health issues, only 26% visit the dentist once every six months. Additionally, as the years go by, the quality of enamel, bones, gums, and the mouth in general can also deteriorate. This is why, during adulthood and old age, more complications arise, including tooth loss. Visiting the dentist is not a matter of age but of health. If both young and older individuals maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and visit the dentist regularly, they can keep their smile healthy for a longer time.
Professional registration Nº 28004040
Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Madrid
Degree in Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
University Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, San Rafael Hospital, Madrid
University Specialist in Individual and Public Oral Preventive Programs, Complutense University of Madrid
Director of Radiodiagnostic Facilities
Medical Director, Smiling Dental Center
Specialist in Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Crispin, Los Angeles, California
Member of the Spanish Society of Prosthodontics (SEPES)
CPR Course
Advanced English
