20–40 Year Old Smiles Need Lovin’ Too

FOR GENERATIONS PRIOR TO OUR OWN, good dental care was almost non existent. In fact, there was little chance that people kept a mouthful of healthy teeth for their whole lives. Thankfully, it’s very different today as remarkable materials and technology, coupled with the aesthetic sense, artistic eye, and extensive experience of a dentist like Dr. Puig greatly increase the likelihood that our generation will keep a beautiful smile for life!

Sometimes when we visit with you, we’ve noticed that making decisions about dental treatments isn’t easy. To increase your comfort level we’ve created a framework for discussion outlined below. We hope it helps bring clarity to your decision making. We know that such decisions like these are always YOURS to make—we just want to be sure that you have good information for making them.

Over the last couple of posts (and again next week) we’re dividing “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into 4 phases:

• My  1–20 Year Old Smile
• My 20–40 Year Old Smile
• My 40–65 Year Old Smile
• My 65+ Year Old Smile

In addition to looking for YOUR OWN smile’s phase, you have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other phases as well. We invite you to share this information with your friends!

Here are some Must do’s, Should do’s, and Could do’s

Consciously or subconsciously…  Each day we prioritize decision making in life by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.” Here at Dr. Puig’s practice our goal is always to make sure you are comfortable with each oral health decision you make.

Keep in mind these lists AREN’T exhaustive or comprehensive— there are no right or wrong answers to YOUR OWN musts, shoulds, or coulds. We all have different wants and needs. These posts are a starting point! And if you have questions, talk with us.

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This Post Is About Caring For Your 20–40 Year Old Smile

FOR SOME OF US, IT MAY BE TEMPTING DURING THIS STAGE IN LIFE to procrastinate check ups because “nothing hurts.” However, sometimes what you DON’T SEE OR FEEL causes the most trouble in the long run. For many people, this age also represents the most active in terms of significant, long-term social interaction and career development.

Must Do’s

• Regular check ups are SO important for early signs of gum disease, cracked teeth, infections, cavities or potential problems with fillings. Most things like this can be reversed when caught early.
• Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer with a terrible five-year survival rate. It can go unnoticed without exams.
• During child-bearing years, gum disease can raise a pregnant woman’s risk of developing some dangerous conditions—one of which is called preeclampsia, which can lead to eclampsia, or seizures late in pregnancy or after delivery. Eclampsia can cause organ damage and can be VERY serious.
• Wisdom teeth often make their presence felt during this time of life and can disrupt one’s bite causing long-term problems.

Should Do’s & Could Do’s

• A healthy, drop-dead-gorgeous smile compliments your career and social life. Is there some little thing that would make you more confident when you smile? Dr. Puig and her team are ready to help.
• Surveys show 92% of North Americans agree that an attractive smile is a crucial social asset. Is your social life suffering because you’re uncomfortable when you smile?
• The same survey shows that 74% believe that an unattractive smile hurts people’s chances of career success. During this time in life, when most people are absorbed in career development, have you taken the time to consider the confident difference a great smile could make?
• Consider how the “smile of your dreams” might literally change your life—far more comfortably and affordably than ever before. Then, talk with Dr. Puig!

Here at Dr. Puig’s practice, we want to be your oral health partners for life!

Watch for the final post in this series next week about the phases in “The Lifetime of YOUR Smile”! We’ll talk about 40–65 year old smiles.

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