Oral and Dental Health in Adults

Oral and dental health in adults is one of the most fundamental elements for quality of life. Health problems we experience in the mouth, such as pain, decay, infections, and even oral and throat cancer, negatively affect basic needs like biting, chewing, and swallowing—essential for our nutrition. They also impact critical human functions such as smiling and speaking, thus affecting our basic life functions.

As we age, we start to better understand the value of our health. We realize how important health is to maintaining a high quality of life, especially after experiencing an unhealthy day. Therefore, we should not wait for health problems to arise but instead eliminate factors that may cause them. To ensure oral and dental health in adults, we must develop good habits and avoid bad ones.

By consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, maintaining a regular and healthy diet, being cautious about smoking and alcohol, reducing sugar intake, rinsing our mouth after eating sweets, paying attention to oral hygiene, and visiting a dentist once a year, we make a solid investment in our health. As we age, our bodies send signals after years of use. Understanding these signals correctly and being more attentive to our bodies in later years allows us to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising our quality of life.

What Should Be Considered for Oral and Dental Health in Adulthood?

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Oral and dental health is essential at any age. However, as we grow older, the things we need to pay attention to regarding dental health also increase. The main points to consider for oral and dental health in adults are as follows:

1 – Hygiene

To have a bright and healthy smile, oral hygiene should be a routine integrated into our lives. For healthy teeth and gums, teeth should be brushed regularly every day, dental floss should be used, and if brushing is skipped during a busy day, more intensive care should be applied at the earliest opportunity using mouthwash after brushing. The spaces between the teeth should not be cleaned with materials like needles, crochet hooks, or toothpicks. The best way to clean between the teeth is by using dental floss, so dental floss should be used to clean between the teeth. When oral hygiene is neglected, in addition to cavities, gum diseases also begin to appear in adulthood.

2 – Regular Check-ups

Instead of waiting to experience discomfort, visiting the dentist regularly for preventive treatment can help stop potential problems before they worsen. Just as with children, preventive check-ups are common for oral and dental health in adults. You can take the first step by making an appointment with your dentist.

What Are the Common Oral and Dental Health Issues in Adults?

If you’re curious about what we should do for dental health, you should first be aware of the health problems. According to research, the most common oral and dental health issues in adults have been identified. Many of the patients who visit Dr. Yasin Akgül’s clinic suffer from these problems. Here are the most common oral and dental health problems:

1- Gum Diseases

As we age, tooth loss due to gum problems becomes more common. According to research, gum diseases that cause tooth loss are seen in 20% of adults over the age of 35. After the age of 35, plaque on the teeth turns into tartar, damaging the structures that support the teeth. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to this for oral and dental health in adults.

The jawbone is also damaged, teeth begin to loosen, and if the damage is irreversible, the teeth are lost. In advanced cases, gum surgery is required. However, your dentist’s routine gum care in just 30 minutes during a regular check-up can prevent the problem at an early stage and help you keep your teeth for life. All of these are preventable health issues. By prioritizing dental hygiene, brushing your teeth correctly, and visiting your dentist once a year, you can keep your condition under control.

2 – The Lifespan of Dental Fillings

Fillings generally last 8 to 10 years, and sometimes up to 20 years. With proper care, it is possible to use your fillings for a lifetime. When fillings break, bacteria and food particles settle into the cavities inside the tooth. They can go beneath the filling and cause decay in the lower layers of the tooth. In such cases, root canal treatment may be necessary. If the tooth’s structure is damaged, root canal treatment and a crown may be required.

When fillings break, the piece that comes off may seem small to you. However, its effect on your mouth is significant. In such cases, you should visit your dentist to have the gaps in the filling closed, and if necessary, have the filling redone. Moreover, the issue with fillings is not only a concern for oral and dental health in adults, but also a common problem in teenagers.

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3 – Lower Jaw Joint Problems

Chewing issues and habits such as teeth grinding cause painful disorders in the lower jaw joint. Over time, the joints responsible for jaw movement become damaged, leading to pain. This pain can escalate to the point where it locks the jaw.

4 – Oral Cancer | Oral and Dental Health in Adults

Oral cancer is more common in middle-aged men with low socio-economic status. Around 10 out of every 100,000 patients worldwide are diagnosed with oral cancer. While not very common, it is also not rare. It is one of the serious diseases that pose a threat to health. Major factors contributing to oral cancer include smoking and alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding bad habits will reduce the risk of developing the disease.

5 – Trauma-Induced Damage

In childhood, severe injuries, falls, and unfortunately, experiences of violence can lead to damage or loss of teeth. Oral and dental health in adults can also be affected by major accidents, high-impact sports, adrenaline activities that pose a health risk, or fast motor vehicle use, leading to dental health issues and tooth loss. To prevent this, protective gear should be used in sports and activities involving hard impacts.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Possible in Adulthood?

With advancing technology, there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment today. Orthodontic treatments that yield excellent results in adults are available. Smiling with confidence is a right for everyone at any age. Any adult interested in orthodontic treatment can apply within the scope of oral and dental health in adults. You can also start orthodontic treatment through Dr. Yasin Akgül.

What Should Adults Pay Attention to During the Orthodontic Treatment Process?

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Oral and Dental Health in Adults

Those undergoing orthodontic treatment need to pay more attention to oral and dental hygiene than usual. If the care of the teeth is neglected while wearing braces, the gums may become redder and slightly swollen. When the gums are damaged, the pressure applied by the braces becomes less healthy, and the treatment duration may be prolonged.

If teeth are not brushed during orthodontic treatment, plaques that form on the tooth surfaces can cause a color difference after the braces are removed. The areas where the braces were attached will have a different white tone (white spot lesions) compared to the rest of the teeth. Dental hygiene is very important, but during orthodontic treatment, it requires extra care and attention.

In oral and dental health, we should focus more on preventive measures than on treatment. Routine check-ups and oral hygiene should not be neglected from the start of life. Health should not be a temporary goal but a lifestyle. Oral and dental health should begin in infancy, not after problems arise.

Pregnant women should have dental check-ups during pregnancy. After the baby is born, regular dental check-ups from infancy to adolescence are necessary. It’s also beneficial to have a check-up during periods of bodily changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause. Tooth decay does not occur quickly; it takes months for a tooth to decay. However, we usually go to the dentist only when the decay has caused pain. Globally, 30% of individuals over 65 years old have no natural teeth left.

Additionally, 90% of children worldwide have tooth decay. However, a person who undergoes regular dental check-ups can detect decay early and take precautions. To prevent the onset of discomfort, we should make preventive health a lifestyle by having regular check-ups before problems arise. As the human body ages, it becomes clear that more investment in health is required. Therefore, paying attention to oral and dental health is one of the fundamental factors for maintaining a high quality of life.

Where Can You Learn About Oral and Dental Health in Adults?

The available sources for learning about oral and dental health in adults are clear. If you enjoy reading and want access to up-to-date information, you can visit our website. You can quickly find all the information you need on our blog page.

However, if you are dealing with any oral and dental health problems in adults, you will need to consult a specialist directly. Therefore, it is important to book an appointment and attend check-ups. Not only can you protect your health, but you can also benefit from receiving direct information from an expert. Dr. Yasin Akgül informs his patients and helps them achieve healthy teeth.

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How to Care for Teeth at Home, and Is It Enough?

There are various articles online with titles like ’10 tips for oral and dental health’ or ‘What should we eat for dental health?’. Based on these articles, people often follow the suggested methods for oral and dental health in adults, especially for home care.

However, such methods will be completely inadequate. In addition to being insufficient, these methods may even be harmful to your oral and dental health. Therefore, for issues like tooth decay and beyond, you need to undergo treatment with the help of a specialist. You should seek expert advice and opt for professional treatment methods. It is better to avoid home remedies for your dental care to ensure your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to prevent tooth loss in adults?

To prevent tooth loss in adults, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits such as regular tooth brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. In addition, not missing dental check-ups, having tartar cleaned, and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent tooth loss.

What causes gum recession in adults, and how is it treated?

Gum recession is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, aggressive brushing, or gum disease. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. To treat gum recession, dental treatments recommended by your dentist should be applied, and brushing techniques should be corrected.

Is teeth whitening safe for adults?

Yes, teeth whitening is safe for adults, but it should be done under the supervision of a professional dentist. Overuse can damage the enamel, so it is important to use whitening products in moderation.

How can bad breath be prevented in adults?

Bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, or stomach problems. Regular brushing, cleaning the tongue, flossing, and using mouthwash can greatly prevent bad breath. If the problem persists, you should consult your dentist.

What causes tooth sensitivity in adults, and how can it be treated?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel wears away or the gums recede. To alleviate sensitivity, special toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be used. Additionally, your dentist can identify the cause of the sensitivity and apply the necessary treatments.

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