Adult dental health

Did you know that nearly one-third of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay can be painless and unable to detect in its earliest stages accept with dental x-rays or during a dental exam. By the time the cavity becomes painful it is usually at a point where it may need more complex treatment than a dental filling. Tooth decay is not only for children or young adults. Anyone can develop decay especially if they eat a diet high in sugar, starches, and acidic foods and beverages. Today we discuss adult dental health.

Risk Factors for Adults

Older adults tend to have more risk factors for dental health problems and overall health issues than do younger people. Age alone is a risk factor for periodontal disease but add to that the habit of smoking and alcohol use, and the risk for periodontal disease more than doubles. Also, certain medications are risk factors for dental conditions such as xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome).

Older Adults

People are living longer these days and keeping their natural teeth. But again, older adults are at higher risk for such things like oral or throat cancers, particularly if they are heavy drinkers or smokers. Older adults with dentures often discontinue seeing their dentist because they no longer have their natural teeth. Even denture wearers should see their dentist to make sure they aren’t losing bone mass in their underlying jawbone and that their dentures are fitting properly. Ill-fitting dentures can cause a host of problems. For older adults some conditions may require seeing the dentist more often than every six months. This includes if you are taking medications for high blood pressure or epilepsy or if you have diabetes.

Most people recognize that keeping their bodies healthy requires eating healthy. Without enough of the right minerals and nutrients, your body wouldn’t function as well as it’s supposed to and you may experience a mix of chronic health issues as a result. However, your teeth also require enough minerals and nutrients to stay healthy and fight off harmful oral bacteria that they’re faced with every day. Today, we take a look at a few foods you should include in your diet to make sure that you give your teeth the nutrition they need.

Healthy Foods and Healthy Teeth

Dairy foods

Milk, cheese, sugar-free yogurt, and other dairy products are among the richest sources of calcium and phosphate—two highly essential minerals for your teeth and jawbone health. For instance, your teeth need calcium to form and maintain the protective layer of enamel around them. Your jawbone needs the mineral to stay strong enough to support all of your teeth.

Lean meats

Lean meats, including beef and chicken, also contain calcium as well as essential proteins and antioxidants that help keep your oral tissues free of disease. Making sure you have enough in your diet will help ensure that you receive a healthy mix of minerals and nutrients for both your smile and the rest of your body.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are almost synonymous with healthy foods, and for good reasons. They’re our best sources of essential vitamins and minerals, and different colored vegetables contain different kinds of antioxidants that fight off harmful microbes.

About Your Lake Forest Dentist:

Aside from providing dependable general and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is a forner adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517