Dental Concerns for Adults Over Forty

It’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums as an adult. Though problems can develop no matter how well you brush your teeth and floss, good dental health practices can prevent tooth loss, dental problems, and mouth diseases.


Common Dental Conditions and Concerns for Adults
Gum disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by bacterial plaque and tartar accumulating on your teeth. The plaque and tartar can cause serious damage to your jawbone and tooth loss if left untreated. In the early stages, called gingivitis, gum disease is reversible. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen and sensitive gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Seek dental care immediately to help reduce the chance of tooth loss.


Breaking down of dental fillings
The durability of a dental filling is 8 to 10 years, but they can last up to 20 years or more if cared for properly. If the filling breaks down, food and bacteria get underneath the teeth and cause decay within the tooth. The decay can affect the nerve and lead to necessary treatment through a root canal and a crown to replace the tooth.


Cavities around Fillings
Cavities around fillings, called recurrent decay, or decay on the surface of roots can cause problems to dental hygiene. To reduce the cavities around the fillings, brush 2x per day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Visit your dentist to treat a cavity and maintain good care of fillings.


Sensitivity
Sensitivity can be caused from cavities, fractured teeth, worn fillings, worn tooth enamel, gum disease, or exposed tooth root. It can be treated by using toothpaste specifically for desensitizing teeth or treatment recommended by your dentist.


Dry mouth
If your mouth is abnormally dry, you may have dry mouth. Medications and health conditions commonly cause dry mouth. Your dentist can help reduce and stop dry mouth through saliva tests.


Temporomandibular Joint Problems
Grinding teeth and biting issues can lead to temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). This can be caused by teeth shifting position in your mouth due to the extraction of a tooth or several teeth. If your bite is altered, eventually the movement of your jaw will cause pain and locking of your jaw. Dental implants can replace missing teeth and reposition the jaw to its proper place. If grinding is the issue, your dentist may recommend a night guard to stop the teeth grinding at night and relieve stress on the jaw joints.

Dr. Matthew Mangino, Paducah Dental Care, says, "It is important to keep teeth and gums healthy to reduce the risk of developing dental problems, disease and loosing teeth." Follow these easy steps to improve or maintain your dental health:

Brush your teeth 2x per day with fluoride toothpaste

Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth

Limit the amount of snacking between meals and sugary or starchy foods you eat

Visit the dentist at least 2x per year for checkups and cleanings

Do not smoke

It is also important to note that many adults are prone to oral cancer, and it is most commonly found in men over 40 years old. Symptoms of oral cancer are tiny, unnoticed white or red spots in the mouth, sore spots and swelling in the mouth or throat, numbness or pain, and a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite. Use of tobacco products and alcohol heighten the risk of oral cancer. Please remember that if oral cancer is found in the early stages it can be treated more easily. Visit your dentist on a regular basis to check for oral cancer symptoms.

Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!