ORAL HEALTH FOR ADULTS

Common oral conditions in adults can include:

1.   Tooth decay

2.   Gum disease

3.   Tooth wear

4.   Dry mouth

5.   Tooth sensitivity

TOOTH DECAY (CARIES)

The risk of tooth decay may be increased due to:

·         Dry mouth

·        Consuming too many sugary snacks or drinks

·        Inadequate of daily fluoride protection

Ineffectiveness of plaque removal

 

Obvious/well known tooth decay causes:

·       Candy/sweets.

·       Chocolate

·       Fizzy drinks and fruit juices

·       Biscuits/cookies

·       Ice cream

·       Jam/jelly

Decay in adults can be common around fillings and between teeth. A particular problem may be decay on the root surfaces of teeth when gum recedes. When gum recedes, teeth may appear longer, as the root of the tooth becomes more visible. 

 

GUM DISEASE

Gum disease is preventable by thoroughly removing plaque everyday, but daily habits can be disrupted when you are too busy or too stressed.

As plaque buildup in hard-to-reach places, they can penetrate below the gum line causing inflammation and ulcers.

Watch out the signs of gum disease:

·       Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing

·       Red, puffy gums

·       Bad breath

·       Bad taste in the mouth

·       Spongy, soft gums

·       Tenderness of gums

 

TOOTH WEAR FROM TOOTH BRUSHING

You can wear away (abrade) your teeth at the gum line by using a toothbrush that is too hard or by using a scrubbing action when brushing your teeth. This can also contribute to causing receding gums.

TOOTHWEAR FROM ACIDS

Acids can dissolve (erode) enamel off teeth. Often teeth that appear to be severely worn down have been affected by erosion. The acids that erode tooth enamel usually come from foods and drinks or from gastric reflux. The frequent need to use antacid products or a sour taste in your mouth may indicate that you have gastric reflux. 

 

Causes of erosion:

·       Frequency of acidic drinks or foods intake

·       Sipping orange juice frequently

·       Chewing vitamin C tablets

·       Frequent intake of soft drinks or energy drinks

·       The generous use of vinegar in foods

 

TOOTH SENSITIVITY 

A short, sharp pain felt when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or sour foods or drinks.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

When tooth enamel is lost or when gums recede, the inner layer of the tooth (called dentine) may be exposed. Dentine is made of thousands of microscopic tubus (tubules) that lead to the nerves deep inside the tooth. Cold, heat and sugar cause the fluid movement in the dentine, which stimulates nerves, and resulting in pain.

Exposed dentine may be result of:

·       Brushing too near the gums

·       Gum diseases

·       Abnormal grinding of teeth (bruxism)

·       Acid erosion of protective enamel