Most Rancho Cucamonga Dentist will tell you that the key to keeping a bright, healthy smile throughout adulthood is to make sure you are always practicing proper oral hygiene. Even adults can catch a cavity, as well as gum disease, that can lead to severe problems. This is why our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist say that throughout your adult life, it’s crucial to continue to:
- Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist suggest that you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque-the sticky film on your teeth that’s the main cause of tooth decay.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line, before it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has developed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
- Try to consume the least amount of sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks. The more consistently you snack between meals, the more of a probability you give the acids in plaque to attack your tooth enamel.
- Visit your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist routinely for professional cleanings and checkups.
What Distinct Dental Concerns Should I Be Aware of as an Adult?
Even if you brush and floss routinely, you may face specific oral health concerns as an adult. Luckily, your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.
- Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which in this early stage is still reversible. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush them. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist prior to having serious problems develop. Advanced stages of gum disease may lead to tooth loss. The health of your gums can also affect your overall health. Recent studies have shown a possible link between periodontitis (a gum disease) and other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and a possible link to premature births. Our Dentist in Rancho Cucamonga say that in order to prevent gum disease from getting started in the first place, make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily and schedule professional cleanings every six months.
- Cavities around existing fillings (called recurrent decay) and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth become more common as we age. So it’s crucial to brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
- Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums naturally recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel. These areas are particularly prone to pain due to cold or hot foods or beverages. In severe cases cold air, as well as sensitivity to sour and sweet drinks and foods, can occur. If you experience sensitivity, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist suggest you try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the problem persists, make a visit with your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist, as the sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.
How Can I Help Make My Teeth Look Brighter and Whiter?
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist say that thorough cleanings by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining caused by food and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains.
Did you know that internal stains can be bleached, bonded or capped (crowned)? While each of these ways is safe and effective, your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist will recommend which treatment is right for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to get.
What Effect Does Diet Have On My Oral Health?
Furthermore, to greatly affect your overall health, proper nutrition is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating a well-balanced diet gives your gum tissues and teeth the important nutrients and minerals they need to stay strong and resist infections, which can contribute to gum disease. In addition, firm, fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to help clean the teeth and tissues. Soft, sticky foods tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth, producing more plaque.
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist say that each time you consume foods and drinks that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more. To lower the damage to your tooth enamel, limit the number or between meal snacks and drinks. And when you do snack, select a nutritious food such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit.