Dental care for adults

Know the signs of gum disease

Many adults experience some form of gum disease. (This is also called periodontal
disease.) Some signs to look for:

• Gums that are red, swollen, tender, bleed easily or have pus between them and the teeth
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together
• Gums that have receded from the teeth and/or teeth that are loose

If you already have gum disease, a few things can make it worse: 

• Not taking care of your teeth and having dentures or bridges that don't fit well
• Having plaque (a film of germs that builds up and hardens) under your gums
  • This can lead to the loss of the bone around the tooth. To fix this problem you may need surgery or the removal of teeth.

Guard against dry mouth
Some illnesses and drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and diuretics can cause dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, you don’t have enough saliva to wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque. If not treated, dry mouth can damage your teeth.

Your dentist can suggest ways to restore moisture. These might include artificial saliva and oral rinses. Sugar-free candy or gum also stimulates saliva flow.

Guard against cavities
Cavities aren't just for kid. They can be a problem in adulthood, too. In older adults, decay is more common in the roots of the teeth. Gums that have receded from the teeth can expose the roots of the tooth to plaque. This puts the roots at risk for decay.

Know your options for treating tooth loss

Your dentist can replace missing teeth in a number of ways. These can include fixed bridges, full and partial dentures and implants. Talk to your dentist to see what options are best for you.

Self-exams can help detect oral cancer

Regular dental checkups are important to spot oral cancer and precancerous conditions early. You can help by doing self-exams. Ask your dentist to show you how.

Pancreatic cancer: Associated with poor oral health

Research shows that people with gum disease are at a 64% higher risk for pancreatic cancer compared to people with healthy mouths. The reason is unclear. A chronic gum infection may trigger inflammation throughout the body, which can fuel the growth of cancer.

To rate your own risk for gum disease, visit the American Academy of Periodontology.  

Home care

You can take steps to keep your mouth healthy:

• Brush your teeth for about three minutes each time you brush. This help to make sure you're cleaning all your teeth.
• Brush at least twice a day.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Floss once a day. Flossing cleans away plaque and bits of food from between your teeth and below the gum line. It gets to places your brush can't reach.
• Ask your dentist if you should have a fluoride rinse to help prevent decay.
• If you wear dentures, clean them every day. Be sure to remove stains and plaque that may build up and irritate your gums. Take your dentures out when you sleep to help your gum tissue stay healthy.

Questions to ask your dentist

The next time you see your dentist, ask these three questions: 

• Do I have gum disease?
• Am I taking care of my teeth at home well enough?
• How often should I have an oral cancer screening?