Adults 40-60 YEARS-YOUNG

We all know life can be busy, but don’t neglect your oral health. Your dental care is just as important now as it was when you were a kid. Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve and tooth loss. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly. This simple routine can help you remain Mouth Healthy for Life.

Missing Teeth

Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. Talk to your dentist for more information about improving your smile.

Then test yourself with the Fact or Fiction Adults 40-60 quiz (below). Keeping your mouth healthy now can help you stay Mouth Healthy for Life.

Fact or Fiction?

1. Everyone’s mouth can be dry sometimes.

it's Fact.

Having a dry mouth is not itself serious but taking care of your teeth and gums and regular dental visits are important when living with dry mouth. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems can become more common.

2. If I’m not having any pain in my mouth, there’s no need to see a dentist.

it's Fiction.

Don’t wait for your teeth to hurt before seeing a dentist. In many cases, by the time you are in noticeable pain, it’s too late to treat a cavity or gum disease. To prevent this, make sure to schedule regular dental visits.

3. Everyone needs dentures at some point.

it's Fiction.

Thanks to good dental care, many people are keeping their teeth their entire lives. Prevention is key. Always brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly. This simple routine can help you remain Mouth Healthy for Life.

4. There is no cure for sensitive teeth.

it's Fiction.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or an alternative treatment based on the cause of your sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

5. Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

it's Fact.

When tartar collects above or below the gumline, the gum tissue can become swollen and may bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. You can prevent plaque buildup by regularly visiting the dentist, brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss daily. If you don't clean your teeth regularly, you may end up losing the foundation of bone around your teeth, causing them to get loose and possibly fall out.