dentist Adelaide

Blackwood

1/186, Main Road
(08) 8178 1190; 0406 833 537

How do I Care for my Teeth as an Adult?

The key to keeping a bright, healthy smile throughout adulthood is to practice good oral hygiene. Adults can get cavities, as well as gum disease, and these can lead to serious problems.

Throughout your adult life, it is important to continue to:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, the sticky film on your teeth that is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and below your gumline, before it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

Limit sugary or starchy foods and drinks, especially sticky snacks. The more often you snack between meals, the more chances you give the acids in plaque to attack your tooth enamel.

Visit Tooth Zone Blackwood Dental regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.

Gum Disease

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which at this early stage is still reversible. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that tend to bleed when you brush them. If you notice any of these symptoms, please book in to see us at Tooth Zone before serious problems develop. Advanced stages of gum disease may lead to tooth loss.

Cavities

Cavities around existing fillings (called recurrent decay) and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth become more common as we age. So it is important to brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

Sensitivity

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 hot or cold foods or beverages. In severe cases, sensitivity can occur in reaction to cold air, and drinks or foods that are sour and sweet. If you experience sensitivity, try anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the problem persists, please book in to see us at ToothZone, as the sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.

Crowns

Crowns are used to strengthen damaged teeth. A crown entirely covers or “caps” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Implants and bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Dental implants replace one or more teeth or are used to attach full or partial dentures. Please book in to see us at Tooth Zone Blackwood Dental to see if implants are right for you. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.

Teeth Whitening

Thorough cleaning by a dental professional will remove most external staining caused by food and tobacco. Using 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. Internal stains can be bleached, bonded or capped (crowned). While each of these methods is safe and effective, please book in to see us at Tooth Zone and we will recommend which treatment is appropriate for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to achieve.

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