I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
Adult Tooth Problems: Are You Concerned About Your Molars?
Francis Miles
If you're concerned about the state of your molars, protect them now. As the strongest teeth in your mouth, molars can still decay if you don't care for them properly. Tooth decay (cavities or caries) can affect your molars without you ever knowing about it. Learn how to take good care of your molars with the tips mentioned below.
Don't Rush When You Brush
If you spend less than two or three minutes brushing your teeth each day, it's time to slow down. If you don't take time to brush your teeth, you could inadvertently leave plaque on your molars. Plaque and other debris can penetrate the bumpy surfaces of your molars and decay them. It can take months before you notice a cavity in your back teeth, or it can take years for tooth decay to set in. No matter how long it takes for cavities to show up in your back teeth, you want to prevent caries from forming in the first place.
As mentioned above, spend two or three minutes brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth each day. If you tend to eat lunch or snack regularly, try to brush your teeth during these times as well. Some adults carry small dental hygiene kits in their purses or tote bags. The kit can remind you to brush your teeth at work or after dining out.
Don't Skip Your Dental Checkups
If you tend to cancel or skip your 6-month dental exams, stop. Dental exams not only protect your back teeth from caries, but they can also keep your entire mouth happy and healthy. The visits allow a dentist to inspect your upper and lower teeth for infection, abscesses, and other signs of tooth decay. Some cavities can develop deep within the tooth's pulp chamber over time.
A dentist can also place a lacquer (sealant) over each molar in your mouth. Sealants don't only protect children from tooth caries, adults who are at risk for tooth decay may also benefit from the protective treatments. The treatments prevent food and plaque from adhering to the rugged surfaces of your molars.
In addition to sealant treatment, a dental provider may protect your molars with fluoride and other critical treatments. Fluoride strengthens each layer of your teeth, including your dentin. If you need more information about fluoride or sealants, speak to a clinic representative today.
For more ways to treat or protect your molars from tooth decay, contact a dental clinic or dentist today.
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