Interactive

Adults

Most adults lose their teeth not as a result of tooth decay, but due to gum disease. But, gum disease is preventable and treatable. Seeing your dentist regularly is essential.

Keeping teeth and gums healthy requires you to pay close attention to good oral hygiene, including cleaning between the teeth, watching your diet and regularly seeing your dentist. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about the most effective ways to keep your gums and teeth in good condition.

Teeth can become stained as a result of everyday life. Tea, coffee and red wine can stain the surface of the teeth, as can the tar products in cigarette smoke. Build up of calculus or tartar (hardened plaque) can also affect tooth colour as can certain antibiotics used in childhood, and cracks in tooth enamel.

Your dentist can offer you specialised advice and treatment. And, after thorough cleaning, you may want to consider one of the many tooth whitening treatments for a brighter, whiter smile, sometimes performed in just half an hour.

Calculus
Do pay special attention to cleaning away calculus. This forms near the gum line and bacteria shelter under it; the poisons they release irritate the gum and cause inflammation. If untreated, the gum can move away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. Over time, the supporting bone can be destroyed and the result of this is loss of healthy teeth. The only answer then is gaps or artificial teeth.

Smoking and alcohol
These worsen gum disease. Long-term, the effects can be devastating and include mouth and throat cancer, so get help to give up smoking now and make sure you don't drink too much alcohol. Smoking as well as drinking alcohol increases your chances of getting oral cancer more than smoking or drinking alcohol alone.

Mouth cancer
Oral cancer occurs most often in people aged over 40. Your dentist should routinely check for any early signs, which is another reason why regular check-ups are a must. If you spot any red or white patches on your mouth, gums or tongue, or any sores that don't heal within two weeks, see your GP.

New treatments mean that you can improve of your teeth at anytime. So, if you want straighter teeth or want to improve their function, longevity or beauty, ask your dentist about the many options open to you.