As we get older our bodies start changing on us, and maintaining our health is a top priority so we can continue living a long and happy life. Proper oral care is especially important, since adults are at higher risk of developing dental diseases compared to when we were younger. Things like periodontal disease, severe tooth decay, or even oral cancer, pose a huge risk, but can be avoided with the proper care. At Cook Orthodontics, we’re passionate when it comes to creating bright, happy smiles in our community, working with families from Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, and the surrounding areas. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on proper oral care for adults, so you know what to do and what to look out for in order to maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

Cover The Basics

The basics of proper dental hygiene don’t change from when you’re a kid to when you’re an adult. You should always brush your teeth at least 2-3 times per day, floss regularly to clear away any hard to reach bacteria and food particles, and rinse using mouthwash for a thorough cleaning. Also, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, so they can clear away any plaque build up, and diagnose any existing or potential issues. Catching certain dental problems early can make all the difference.

Fillings Wearing Away

A common problem that emerges with adults is the breakdown of old fillings. Fillings are more of a temporary solution to minor decay, and now that you’re older, these filling will start to wear away. When this happens, bacteria and plaque can start forming underneath, leading to tooth decay, and eventually more severe damage that can cause tooth loss. Regular check-ups with your dentist will help prevent any serious problems from occurring due to filling loss, since the dentist will be able to apply a new filling, or suggest a different type of treatment.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Periodontics entails everything that has to do with your gums and the supporting bone around your teeth, so periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is where that supporting tissue and bone becomes damaged. After the age of 35, losing teeth from periodontal disease is actually more common than losing teeth to tooth decay, making this a very real problem for adults. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by maintaining a complete and consistent oral hygiene routine, and visiting your dentist regularly to clear your mouth of harmful bacteria and plaque.

The Risk Of Oral Cancer

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has warned adults about the dangers of developing oral cancer, stating that men over 40 years old have the highest risk of oral cancer. About 43,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each month, and about 7,000 people die from it. Oral cancer is treatable, but just need to be diagnosed, which can be done with your dentist at a regular checkup. To reduce the risk of developing cancer, cut down on the use of tobacco products and alcohol, since both increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

Changes In Our Bodies

When our whole bodies change, our oral health can also be affected. This is especially true for adult women, who will go through many, body-altering stages in their lifetime including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. All of these bodily changes affect how your teeth and mouth react to plaque, which can cause severe symptoms of gingivitis and lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Contact Cook Orthodontics For More Oral Care Tips!

If you want to make sure that your smile stays healthy, come to the smile experts here at Cook Orthodontics. Our team is proud to work with so many families from Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, and the surrounding areas, helping make smiles brighter every day. Just contact us with your questions about oral care, or the orthodontic treatments that we offer, and we’ll be more than happy to help!