#BodyTalkWithCosmo: From baby teeth to dentures, here's your dental care guide for every stage of life

Just like your skin and hair, your teeth go through their own journey as you age. And spoiler: brushing twice a day isn’t enough. From teething toddlers to menopausal dryness, your mouth has different needs at every stage of life. We asked a preventive and pediatric dentist and founder of 32 Reasons Multispeicality Dental Centre, Dr Reshma Shah, to decode what’s normal, what’s preventable, and what you really need to be paying attention to—decade by decade.

Baby teeth basics: What parents should know early on

“Teeth actually start forming from birth,” says Dr Shah. In those early months, skip the toothbrush and just wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth after feeding. Once teething begins, you can switch to a silicone finger brush or a small, baby-friendly toothbrush—minus the fluoride, she advises.

From the age of three, kids can start using fluoride toothpaste (in a pea-sized amount) and should learn how to spit it out. Dr Shah also recommends introducing flossing once teeth start touching and stopping bottle feeds by 18 months to prevent cavities caused by consuming milk at night.

By age six, permanent teeth begin to show up. “That’s when dental sealants become useful to prevent cavities,” she says. And by seven, an orthodontic check-up can catch alignment issues early. Consider it a dental wellness check.

The wisdom tooth years: Why your 20s bring dental drama

If you’ve ever had sudden jaw pain in your 20s, there’s a high chance your wisdom teeth were trying to crash the party. “Wisdom teeth typically erupt in the late teens to early twenties, and if there’s not enough space, they get impacted,” says Dr Shah. Think swelling, pain, and a jaw that won’t open properly.

Her advice? Get an X-ray. If the teeth aren’t causing major issues, you can monitor them. But if you’re dealing with recurring infections or discomfort, extraction is often the best route. For mild cases, warm saltwater rinses and over-the-counter painkillers can offer some relief.

Your 30s and 40s: The wear-and-tear decades

“This is when the signs of enamel wear, gum recession, and tartar buildup really start to show,” says Dr Shah. Overzealous brushing can lead to tooth sensitivity, while lifestyle habits (hello, coffee and red wine) may cause discolouration or surface stains.

A lot of women also explore cosmetic upgrades around this time. “Veneers are a great option for improving tooth shape, hiding stains, or giving a more symmetrical smile,” she notes. Regular dental cleanings are a must, but so is gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush.

Menopause and your mouth: The changes no one talks about

Hormonal shifts during menopause don’t just affect your skin or mood—they also impact your oral health. “Postmenopausal women often experience dry mouth, increased tooth sensitivity, and even a burning sensation in the gums,” Dr Shah explains. There’s also a heightened risk of bone loss and gum disease.

Hydration becomes a key part of your oral care routine here (think: coconut water and plenty of fluids), along with regular dental checkups to catch issues early. “Don’t wait until your teeth feel loose or painful,” she says.

Oral health after 60: It’s not too late for a makeover

Just because you’re older doesn’t mean your smile can’t be fabulous. “At 60 and above, we commonly see gum recession, missing teeth, and bone loss,” says Dr Shah. But modern dentistry offers plenty of solutions—from crowns and fillings to implants that look (and work) just like the real thing.

“We’ve done smile makeovers for 60- and 65-year-olds that made them look twenty years younger,” she says. “It’s about restoring both function and confidence.” If your teeth feel shorter or you’ve noticed facial sagging, it might be time to consider restorative work. 

Yes, your dental routine should change with age

In your 20s and 30s, Dr Shah recommends regular scaling, fluoride toothpaste, and cosmetic tweaks like whitening or veneers, if desired. In your 40s and 50s, the focus shifts to early intervention—catching gum disease and bone loss before they worsen. Post-menopause? Hydration is your new best friend, and dental visits should be non-negotiable.

Prevention tips, broken down by decade

Here’s Dr. Reshma’s decade-wise cheat sheet for healthy teeth at every age:

0-12: Gum wipes, finger brushes, and no night-time bottles after 18 months.

13-20s: Switch to fluoride toothpaste, get sealants, and do an orthodontic screening.

30s–40s: Get cleanings every six months, treat gum recession early, and explore cosmetic fixes.

50+: Monitor for bone loss, stay hydrated, and consider crowns or implants if needed.

The bottom line: your smile reflects your overall health

“People often ignore how closely oral health is connected to their general well-being,” says Dr Shah. “But timely dental care doesn’t just prevent tooth problems—it can make you look and feel years younger.”

It’s also worth noting that habits like excessive alcohol consumption and sugary cocktails—especially common in younger adults—can wreak havoc on both your teeth and gut. Over time, this can lead to gum disease and tartar buildup, which don’t just affect your mouth. “Poor gum health has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, particularly in older adults,” Dr Shah warns. Staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and keeping up with dental visits are small habits that go a long way.

No matter your age, the takeaway is simple: listen to your mouth. It’s telling you more than you think.

Lead image: Pexels

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