How to Maintain Good Oral Health as an Adult

One of the best things you can do for your oral health as an adult is to maintain good dental hygiene habits. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to prevent cavities and gum disease, and go to the dentist every six months for cleaning and checkups. If you are unhappy with your current oral health or want to learn more about how to keep your mouth healthy, contact us today! We’re happy to help you stay smiling!

 

Brush At Least Twice A Day

At least twice a day, you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush in circular motions, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth and get your tongue, too! For best results, brush at least two minutes each time. While you’re brushing, try singing your favorite song. It will make it feel like less of a chore! Plus, singing can help you relax and allow for better breathing—both of which are important for overall oral health. (Source: American Dental Association)

 

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is most effective at preventing cavities when used regularly. Adults are more likely than children to brush their teeth, but many adults don’t brush often enough or brush incorrectly. Make sure you spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth and add fluoride toothpaste—but not too much! Use only a pea-sized amount and make sure you get it in between your teeth where bacteria can collect. Too much fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis, which causes white spots on your tooth enamel (and discoloration). Not ideal for maintaining good oral health!

 

Watch Out For Cavities

Cavities are one of America’s most common diseases, and they can occur in adults just as easily as they can in children. Many adults don’t realize that cavities aren’t caused by eating too much sugar. Instead, cavities occur when our mouths become acidic due to breathing through our mouths or not drinking enough water. For many people, simply cutting out sodas will be enough to avoid cavities; but for others, there may be other factors at play. For example, foods high in sugar (like cookies) typically lead us to breathe through our mouths—which puts us at a higher risk for disease. The solution?

 

Visit The Dentist Regularly

It’s a good idea to visit your dentist twice per year for routine cleanings and checkups. Visiting more frequently may be necessary if you have gum disease or are prone to tooth decay or loss. Routine cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which reduces your risk of cavities and tooth decay. Your dentist will also provide tips on how you can improve your overall oral health at home.

 

Eat a Healthy Diet

An unhealthy diet can be bad for your oral health and lead to issues like cavities and gingivitis. People who are at a high risk for tooth decay or gum disease should brush with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day, avoid sugary foods, maintain good dental hygiene in between dentist visits and eat at least six servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. People who aren't at high risk for gum disease should still brush daily with fluoridated toothpaste but only need to floss once a day. It's also important that adults go in for regular checkups with their dentist. A visit every six months is recommended because it can catch problems before they become serious, which will save time and money in treatment.

 

Stay Away From Tobacco Products

Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products. Tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease. It also discolors your teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities. Be mindful of secondhand smoke, which you may be exposed to at work or in public places where people are smoking. If you want to quit using tobacco, talk with your doctor about quitting strategies that will help protect your oral health.

 

Seek Treatment For Mouth Sores

All adults should be sure to schedule regular dental visits. However, you should also take a moment from time to time and give yourself a once-over in your bathroom mirror. A self-examination for mouth sores is very simple. If you notice any redness or swelling anywhere in your mouth, make sure that you immediately contact your dentist for further guidance. Left untreated, canker sores and cold sores can lead to more serious issues such as periodontal disease, so they’re definitely worth paying attention to! Adults who have diabetes are particularly susceptible to oral infections and must be even more diligent about checking themselves for signs of trouble.

 

Clean Your Mouth Gently With Hydrogen Peroxide

The American Dental Association recommends using hydrogen peroxide for deep cleaning your mouth daily. The peroxide breaks down bacteria that can contribute to bad breath and cavities and whitens teeth naturally, allowing you to say goodbye to commercial whitening strips. Just fill a cup with three percent hydrogen peroxide and rinse for 30 seconds, then spit out. Your mouth will be clean but not irritated. If you want more powerful results, use it twice a week rather than once a day.