Oral Health Tips for Adults

by Kevin Smith Author

When the topics is general family dentistry in Tomball, TX, the focus is usually on what the kids need to prevent dental issues and instill healthy dental hygiene habits. That is great, but a huge part of that equation is missing: What should adults know and do. Here are some general tips for oral health for Mom and Dad or any adult over the age of 30.

Set Regular Exams

You should see your dentist every six months for an exam, cleaning, and checkup. This will help your mouth stay healthy, but it also will help the dentist get on top of any problems that develop early on. That can be as simple as treating early stages of gum disease or as important as detecting teeth problems or oral cancer early. Regular visits are as much a part of preventative medicine as anything else you do.

Brush and Floss Twice Daily, Rinse 4 to 5 Times a Week

The instructions are pretty self-explanatory. Why, though, is a bit more complex. Brushing and flossing twice daily has been proven to be a failsafe way to maintain oral health. If you add to that using a fluoride rinse up to five times a week, you give your teeth the best possible boost to remain strong. Fluoride use has been proven to reduce tooth decay by 50 to 70%.

Look for Symptoms of “Adult” Dental Diseases

These can include bleeding gums, red and swollen gums, aching teeth, bad breath, and general oral soreness. The diseases you are on the lookout for include periodontal disease, gingivitis, and oral cancer. Being on the lookout for symptoms is one way, with regular checkups of arresting any problems before they become a health crisis.

Quit Tobacco

Dentists and doctors probably sound like broken records, but the destructive nature of regular tobacco use, in any form, is well documented. If you smoke, the least of your problems is stained teeth. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and delay in healing after a dental procedure; it also can cause excruciating pain after a procedure if a dry socket forms where the work was done.

Cut Down on Alcohol

Another proven enemy of lots of the human body is the overuse of alcohol. With dental health, alcohol can lead to gum disease, gum erosion, and inflammation of the tongue. It also can affect other bodily processes that reduce your ability to fight off infections and diseases, which can leave your mouth vulnerable.

For most of us, general family dentistry in Tomball, TX, means focusing on the kids and their dental health. That, however, leaves the adults out in the cold, so to speak. Follow these tips to make sure your oral health is covered.