HOME          CONTACT US

596 Bellevue Rd. Atwater, CA 95301

MEET ERIC K. CHEUNG, DDS
PROCEDURES
PHOTO GALLERY
FAQ
NEW PATIENTS
DENTAL TOPICS
TESTIMONIALS
EVENTS
BLOG
STUDENT PORTAL

Blog Post 13: Some of the 80 Years Old in my practice have more Teeth Than a 20-Year-Old?

 

Some of the 80 Years Old in my practice have more Teeth Than a 20-Year-Old?
By Eric Cheung, DDS
Atwater Family Dental Blog Series: Debunking Dental Myths

Sounds surprising, right? But it’s true — it’s not uncommon today to meet an 80-year-old who still has most of their natural teeth, while some 20-year-olds already have one or two missing teeth (not counting wisdom teeth).

 

So what’s the difference?

It’s not just age — it’s care habits.

An older adult who’s brushed, flossed, and seen the dentist regularly for decades often has a healthier mouth than a young person who skips cleanings, drinks lots of energy drinks, or snacks all day without proper hygiene. Teeth don’t wear out with age — they wear out from neglect.

 

Good habits matter more than age.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Daily flossing or Waterpik waterflosser (sorry, no flosser or not ADA accepted off-brand waterflosser)

Dental visits every 6 months

• A balanced diet low in sugar

• Avoiding smoking, vaping, and alcohol

These habits protect your teeth for life.

So yes — you can keep your teeth at 80, 90, or even 100! The secret isn’t luck or genetics — it’s consistency.

Next time you think, “I’m young, I’ll be fine,” remember this: it’s easier to keep your teeth healthy now than to fix them later.

Keep brushing — your future smile will thank you.

Eric K. Cheung D.D.S.

596 Bellevue Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301

209.358.0800

 
© 2025 Atwater Family Dental. All Rights Reserved. Powered by  Imedia West