DENTAL TIPS FOR ADULTS UNDER 40

WHY UNDER 40?

The importance of dental health for those of us under the age of 40 is all about long-term options. During our 20’s and 30’s our dental hygiene habits set the stage for periodontal disease, gum disease, and the overall health and condition of our teeth. Beautiful teeth and a beautiful smile require perseverance and regular care. You can help your smile stay bright even into your golden years with these dental tips for adults under 40.

BRUSHING – WHAT IT DOES AND WHY YOU NEED IT

Brushing is a tool that helps remove food and buildup on your teeth and under the gumline before it becomes part of the plaque building process. Brushing your teeth is one of the most important parts of maintaining positive oral health.

SOFT BRISTLED TOOTHBRUSH

Use only a soft bristled toothbrush unless otherwise directed by your dentist. Toothbrushes that have medium or hard bristles can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Also, toss your toothbrush every three months and replace it.

BRUSH ANGLE HELPS

Hold the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle from your teeth. This allows the bristles to not only clean each tooth’s surface, but to also clean under the gums. This little tip will help keep your teeth in top condition.

CIRCULAR STROKES DO THE MOST WORK

Swirl the bristles of the brush in tight oval patterns as you brush your teeth. This helps the bristles clean under the gums and in the depressions on each tooth’s surface. Brushing your teeth two-three times per day, and especially after meals is one of the most beneficial ways to improve your oral health. Brushing your teeth using proper techniques makes the chore much easier and you end up with greater results. Brushing twice a day can help you avoid dentures, tooth loss, and improve your mouth’s ability to taste food.

FLOSSING: IT’S ONE OF THE TOP DENTAL TIPS FOR ADULTS

Flossing picks up where brushing leaves off in oral hygiene. Flossing has come under pressure lately from internet sources. However, the ADA or the American Dental Association stands behind flossing and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services backs flossing too. Flossing helps clean between teeth and in areas where your toothbrush cannot reach.

USE ONLY APPROVED FLOSSING MATERIAL

There is more available for flossing than just waxed string. There are little brush applications, picks, and other gadgets to help you floss. Use the one that is right for your mouth. Check with your dentist about your flossing options.

THERE IS NO “RIGHT” TIME TO FLOSS

Floss whenever, just make sure that you do floss. A good rule of thumb is to floss as often as you brush.

NUTRITION: IT BUILDS HEALTHY BODIES

Nutrition plays many roles in good oral health. First, a well-balanced diet helps us maintain a healthy immune system. We also take in all of the ingredients our body needs to build healthy teeth, bone, and tissue. So what we eat affects our overall health and our oral health too.

AVOID SUGARY FOODS

Sugary foods tend to build up bad bacteria in our mouth. If you are not brushing and flossing, then that food stay under your gums and between your teeth acting as a food source for cavity forming bacteria.

LAY OFF THE VICES

Quitting smoking, using recreational drugs and drinking coffee and other fluids that stain teeth are all things that help improve oral health. Smoking causes many health issues. Recreational drugs can cause premature tooth loss.

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW

These dental tips for adults help improve oral health. What we do now affects our health tomorrow. If we eat a poor diet, we end up with poor health. If we eat a healthy diet we improve our health. Start brushing, flossing, and taking care of your mouth after every meal. Doing so  helps you stave off the need for dentures, losing teeth, and expensive dental work. If you have dental issues, get them fixed as soon as possible. Cavities cause tooth structural weaknesses that can lead a broken tooth or even the loss of a tooth. We only have 32 teeth and we need all of those to enjoy good foods, brilliant smiles, and to have the confidence to live life to the fullest.