The Complete Guide to Oral Care for Permanent Teeth for Adults

Prevents Cavities and Gum Disease

When you eat, food and bacteria tend to accumulate in your teeth. If you fail to clean your teeth, the plaque builds up causing tooth cavities. Bad cases of tooth cavities may lead to permanent teeth loss. Apart from cavities, you can also suffer from gum disease. When germs in the plaque infect your gums, they can become red and puffy. Your gums can also start bleeding. In severe cases, the gum infection can spread to the supporting bone around your teeth and loosen them, causing teeth loss.

Keeps Your Bright Smile

Are your teeth not as bright as they used to be? Tooth discolouration can occur as a result of surface stains and debris on your teeth. You may have stained teeth because of your food and drink choices, medication, and poor oral care. Discoloured teeth often contain cavities that can destroy your tooth’s structure. It also leads to abscesses that form along the teeth, causing pain and difficulty when chewing. What’s more, discoloured teeth can cause bad breath. Apart from cleaning your teeth daily, you can schedule deep cleaning sessions with your dentist. If staining persists, you can consider tooth whitening.

Prevents More Serious Diseases

Are oral health issues increasing your risk for heart attack, dementia, and other life-altering health conditions? Bacteria that cause inflammation and disease in your mouth can lead to damage to other organs in your body. From diabetes and dementia to respiratory infections, you may be susceptible to these conditions if you fail to take care of your oral health. Having good adult oral care goes a long way to improving your general body health.

Stops Bad Breath

Caused by bacteria in your mouth that turns into plaque, bad breath can be embarrassing. You can improve bad breath with consistent proper dental hygiene like flossing and brushing your teeth. It removes food and bacteria, keeping your breath fresh. If your bad breath continues after making these changes, visit your dentist.

Lower Health Care Costs

From the costs of filling cavities to treating diseases like diabetes, taking care of your dental health can save you a lot of money. This is because the cost of toothpaste, floss, and regular check-ups is a small price to pay compared to complex dental procedures and treatments.

Brush Your Teeth Properly

While you may brush your teeth often, doing it the wrong way can still cause cavities and other dental issues. This is why you need to take your time and move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions. These motions are effective in removing plaque. Since plaque can also build up on your tongue, remember to brush your tongue gently. When it comes to toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. It provides a protective barrier, helping fight germs that lead to tooth decay.

Floss Often

Even after brushing, some parts of your teeth remain untouched. Dental flossing can help remove food particles that stick between your teeth. It allows you to reach deep between the teeth where a toothbrush and mouthwash can’t clean. It’s recommended to floss at least once a day with the right dental floss.

Follow a Healthy Diet

The food and drinks you ingest affect your adult oral care. Since your teeth need calcium and vitamins, you should consume healthy foods like milk, fruits, yoghurt, vegetables, and more. You should also limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods. Sugary foods and drinks cause tooth decay, while acidic foods can wear down your enamel.

Do Not Smoke or Drink Alcohol

Apart from harming your lungs, smoking can also affect your dental health. It’s a risk factor for gum disease and tooth discolouration. Smoking can also give you bad breath. What’s more, you’re more likely to experience slow healing after a dental procedure if you smoke. You should also avoid alcohol. It not only causes gum disease but also alcohol-induced dry mouth increases your chances of developing cavities.

Straighten Your Teeth

Crooked and crowded teeth make it difficult to clean your mouth. As an adult, poor tooth cleaning practices can lead to the development of cavities or periodontal diseases. To prevent this, you should consider adult teeth straightening. Straightening your teeth with clear aligners will make cleaning easier, keeping plaque at bay. It will also improve the blood flow within your periodontal tissues, ensuring you have healthy gums and teeth.

Drink More Water

Water is the right beverage for your oral health. Drinking water after every meal can help wash out sticky and acidic foods and beverages. It also reduces your chances of having a dry mouth that can lead to cavity formation.