Tips For Taking Care of Your Adult Teeth

Our teeth are important. They help us chew our food and they are also our best accessory. For that reason, it is imperative that you do everything you can to keep them cared for. As a child, it was easy because more than likely your parents or guardian helped you stay on top of it, whether they were the ones always making sure you got your yearly checkups or if they constantly reminded you to brush your teeth day and night. Now as an adult, that responsibility falls on you. You need a good dentist to take care of your teeth; schedule an appointment with the dentist chattanooga tn if you need one.

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One of the major solutions to keeping your teeth bright and healthy is to practice proper oral hygiene. Just like kids, adults can develop cavities too if they are not careful. Those cavities can cause you to lose teeth and ultimately have to get veneers. Adults can also develop gum disease, which leads to other problems you may not want to deal with. Thankfully, we have put together some tips for taking care of your adult teeth.

Best Care For Adults

Taking good care of your teeth does not have to be a chore. Think of it as self-care. When you look good, you feel good. Not to mention, there is nothing worse than enjoying your favorite food only to discover that your teeth are aching. That can make things like trying new foods enjoyable, and that is no fun.

To take care of your teeth as an adult, sometimes it helps to go back to the basics. Make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste ensures that you are getting rid of all the plaque. This sticky film over your teeth is one of the main causes of tooth decay.

You should also make it a point to floss your teeth every day. Flossing helps you remove that nasty plaque that can get trapped between your teeth as well as under the gumline because what you do not want is for it to harden into tartar. This poses a problem because when tartar hardens between your teeth, you will have to result in getting a professional to remove it.

As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to take inventory of how many sugary and starchy foods you consume. If you eat a lot of these things, particularly sticky foods, the acids in the plaque can pounce on your tooth enamel. Lastly, and probably most importantly, make sure that you are getting your teeth checked and cleaned regularly with a professional.

Dental Issues Adults Are Prone To Developing

Even if you may brush your teeth twice a day and floss, there are still some dental issues that adults are more prone to developing. One of those dental issues is gum disease. It starts out as gingivitis, which is can be reversible if you catch it and treat it early. If you notice that your gums are red, swollen, tender or bleed when you brush them you may be showing symptoms of gingivitis. It is recommended that you talk to your dentist if you notice any of these signs.

Keep in mind that the health of your gums is also related to your overall health. Other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even possible premature births are also linked to gum disease. That is why brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day is so important.

Another dental issue adults are more prone to are recurring decay. This is when cavities are developed around already existing filings. Again, brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and checking in with your dentist on a regular basis is so important.

Tooth sensitivity is also something you may have to think about as you get older. As you age, your teeth become more and more sensitive. This is because over time your teeth recede as you age, naturally. Tooth sensitivity is due to parts of your teeth that are never exposed are now exposed, and the sensation on those parts of the tooth can take some time getting used to. You may particularly become more sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks.

There are even some people that experience total sensitivity just from cold air. If you find yourself becoming sensitive when you consume hot or cold food or drinks, you may want to try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. After implementing that type of toothpaste and you still are experiencing pain you may want to talk with your doctor as that could be a more serious issue.

You may also have to get a crown, which is used to strengthen damaged teeth as it covers your damaged teeth. Not only does it hide damages to your teeth, but it also improves the appearance, shape and alignment. Implants and bridges can be used to replace any teeth that are missing. If you have one or more teeth missing, it may be best to get dental implants or dentures or veneers.

Keeping Your Teeth White and Bright

Once you have a solid foundation on keeping your dental hygiene in check, you can move on to the cosmetic appearance of your teeth like keeping them white and bright. One of the best ways to keep your smile bright is to regularly get your teeth cleaned by a professional at least once a year. They can remove stains from tobacco, foods and beverages. You can use a whitening toothpaste in between your dental visits.

If you have stains that have been on your teeth for several years, you will really need to get help from a professional. They can remove those hard to get rid of stains that are external. Internal stains have to handled a little differently. Those stains can be bleached, bonded or capped. It is best that you consult your dentist because they will be able to give you expert advice on what is best for your situation while also taking into account what you can afford.

Take Inventory Of Your Diet

It is important that you eat clean and healthy as that can also have an effect on the health of your smile. You want to eat a well-balanced diet. It gives you all the necessary nutrients and vitamins that allow your teeth to stay strong. Eating healthy can also thwart off infections.

Eat foods loaded with lots of fiber that are also firm like fruits and vegetables because it can help clean your teeth and the tissues of your gums. You want to avoid sticky foods as they can stick on your teeth, and can be very difficult to remove which can cause more plaque. It is also recommended that you limit the number of meals, snacks and drinks you consume in between meals. If you do get the snacking bug, it is best that you pick healthy snacks like cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt and fruits. 

Try to stay away from a lot of sugary foods and scratches. The acids from these foods can wear down your teeth and cause bacteria growth. Plaque is the number one cause of all your teeth problems.

Conclusion

Following our tips will put you on the right path to keeping your teeth clean, shiny and bright. Just because you are an adult does not mean you can skimp on your dental hygiene. Your teeth a very important and you do not want something as simple as not flossing your teeth every day to ruin your perfect smile.

If you’re currently looking for a reliable dental expert, you can check out this dentist in Las Vegas NV.

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