Adult Dental Care

Basic dental care is an often overlooked part of basic health care. One reason is that many people believe the health of our teeth and gums is guaranteed until we become older and start to lose teeth because of age. But this is a misconception.

It is not natural to lose your teeth from aging alone, and it is not natural for your gums to bleed, despite what you may have heard. If you take good care of your teeth and practice good oral hygiene, they should last a lifetime. Your provider has a three-pronged approach when thinking about your oral health: Home care, diet and professional care. If you take the right steps in these three areas, for almost all of  us, the most common dental diseases of tooth decay and periodontal disease  can be prevented.

If you don't practice good dental home care, chances are you'll develop tooth decay and cavities; it's even more likely you will develop gum disease, too. Good dental home care is neither difficult nor time consuming, yet many people of all ages don't even practice the basics.

You should brush your teeth at least once a day, either in the morning or before going to bed, using a toothpaste containing fluoride. Look for toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Children should use an amount of toothpaste about the size of a pea or the nail on their little finger; adults should use enough toothpaste to cover all the bristles on their brush.

Most people should use a soft-bristled brush, but your provider will know what's best for you. It's best if the brush has a handle that fits your hand well and bristles that can easily reach every area inside your mouth. Brush all surfaces of your teeth, not only the ones seen when you smile; your provider can show you the best brushing technique.  Whichever toothbrush you choose, all the evidence shows it's the tooth brusher, not the toothbrush that makes the biggest difference--so, brush carefully with the brush of your choice--but, brush carefully!

Flossing is the most overlooked technique in good dental care. Flossing should be done at least once a day, more often if you're able. Flossing reaches places where toothbrushes can't and helps remove food debris and bacteria-laden plaque, which, if allowed to build up over time, will lead to bleeding gums and periodontal disease, the major cause for tooth loss in adults. If you're tired one evening and can only choose one method of oral care that particular night, make it flossing. Use floss that glides easily between the surfaces of your teeth and that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It takes about 18 inches of floss for the average person to do the job right. Don't floss so rigorously that your gums bleed; you should cover every tooth surface, gently. If parents brush and floss routinely, chances are their kids will, too.

Mouthwash products should never be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. If you want to use a mouthwash, check with your provider for a recommendation. If you need an over-the-counter whitening agent, ask your provider which products might work well for you.

Diet also plays a role in oral health, just as it does in your general health. To keep your teeth healthy, eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Limit the amount of sugar you consume, especially sucrose.

Regular checkups are important. Your provider should remove plaque and look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease; examine your mouth and tongue for oral cancers, which cause 9,000 deaths a year. You don't need a full-mouth set of X-rays every year; about every three to five years is right for most people. Be sure the provider places a lead apron on you before X-rays are taken.

What to Do

See your dentist for a basic checkup twice a year. Choose a provider you can comfortably speak with and who asks general questions about your overall health, including any medications you take. Some medications can affect your oral health. Numerous drugs can cause dry mouth, which can lead to problems with teeth and bad breath.

Self-care Steps for Dental Care

• Brush your teeth carefully at least once a day.

• Floss at least once daily.

• Brush or gently scrape the back of your tongue.

• Take a good look, with a mirror, inside your mouth, once a week.

• Eat a healthy diet, limiting the amount of sugar you consume.