At Cranford Dental we love to see patients who are in the 30 to 50 age group. Young children – advancing careers – frequent moves and life changes: this is usually a busy time.
We can help you with dental health during these years. Adults can save money and time long term by making time for their teeth now.
A family dental practice, we may have seen you as a child – or know your children, parents, and even your grandparents. We love seeing multiple generations of families in our office and out in our community.
Here we offer advice on maintaining good dental health during during the busy years of raising children and working hard in your careers.
Your Teeth and Gum Health
Adults with good home dental care and regular visits to their hygienist do not have to have problems with their mouths. Teeth and bones surrounding them are still naturally strong.
If adults maintain gum health until middle age, they can continue to keep healthy teeth and gums.
Guard against thinking, “I have gone my entire life without dental problems—why worry about them now?” Be proactive in the middle adult years to keep healthy teeth for the rest of your life.
Dental Care Maintenance Program
We advise adults to maintain a dental health program during their mid-adult years. Establish habits now that will keep your teeth as healthy as they are now for many years.
If you’re in your 50s now, you may still have many years ahead of you that will benefit from healthy teeth. Here is our advice:
Brush and Floss
Brush and floss at least twice per day. This prevents plaque buildup and cleans out between the gums.
We recommend two minutes each time using a soft brush. Thus it is not enough to brush until the mouth has a minty feel. It is the brush against the teeth and gums that protects our teeth rather than the toothpaste.
An electric toothbrush with a built in timer will help make sure that you brush long enough to protect your teeth – and that all quadrants are covered.
WaterPiks are amazing at keeping gums healthy, especially for busy patients who may forget to floss. Use a Waterpik at least once a day in addition to flossing.
Drink Water
Water is as important for your dental health as your physical health. Drink water often during the day and right after eating meals and snacks.
Water keeps your teeth rinsed off in between brushing. In addition, it helps you avoid sugary drinks which can lead to teeth decay.
Healthy Diet
The strength and health of your teeth were determined by your genetics and what you ate during early years. But what you eat now is still important.
Your dental health is tied to your overall health condition. Determine to keep your blood sugars and weight within normal levels. We have seen that the healthier the person, the stronger the teeth.
Avoid sugary drinks and foods, especially those that are sticky and adhere to the teeth. Brush as soon as possible after eating; or gargle water in your mouth to remove food particles right after eating when you can’t brush.
Regular Dental Visits
Visit your dentist on a regular basis for check up and dental cleaning.
Let your dentist know if you have teeth that bother you or any dental pain. He will help you deal with minor issues before they become problems.
Ask your dentist how often she recommends you visit the dentist. Sometimes patients with healthy teeth can extend the interval between dental visits.
Talk to your dentist about your physical and mental health. He will work with you on a plan that will help your teeth feel better based on your overall health condition.
Healthy Teeth Now for Strong Teeth in the Future
We specialize in Preventive Dental Care at Cranford Dental. And we expect our patients to work with us to avoid dental fills, crowns, and other restorations.
Review the long term benefits of doing all you can to keep teeth and gums healthy while you are in your 30’s and 40’s. This will encourage you to keep those good habits going.
Avoid Restoring Natural Teeth
The fewer restorations that are needed on your teeth, the better. Do what you can to prevent the need for fillings and crowns.
Any dental work can be seen as “man-made”, thus not as good as your natural healthy teeth. And man-made work will not last forever; at some point it will need to be fixed or replaced.
Ignoring your dental health may lead to fillings which could have been avoided. Obviously you want to address problems right away to stop from needing large fillings or dental crowns in the future.
Save Money Long Term
Routine dental care not only makes you feel better but also saves money in the long term.
Budget time and money to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Discuss with your dentist and hygienist your belief in holistic care. They will work with you in keeping your teeth healthy.
I enjoy seeing the same patients over many years. They rarely need major dental work. Success in our office is working with patients to keep teeth healthy and in their natural state.
Dr. Bill Cranford
Stay Current with Dental Knowledge
At Cranford Dental we believe in training and staying current. We like to pass this on to our patients.
Dentistry has come a long way over the past years. We no longer expect people to lose their teeth as they age.
We have seen even more advancements in how to keep healthy teeth over the past 30 years:
- Gum Treatment – We now know the importance of removing plaque from the teeth, especially under the gum line. Gum disease is more dangerous than cavities when it comes to losing teeth.
- Flouride – For adults prone to decay, flouride can help keep teeth healthy.
- Mental Health – With increased mental health awareness and education, we are able to help patients who struggle. Dental problems often occur as patients deal with mental illness.
- General Health and Dental Health – The current emphasis on holistic health is a big help to the dental profession. We know that the person who cares for his body also cares for his teeth and gums.
Evaluate Radiographs and Photos
Now is a good time to get a Panoramic and other radiographs. Your dentist will evaluate them with you to get a good overall view of your mouth that you cannot see from just looking at your teeth.
You will gain a good understanding of the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Dental Health and Your Family
You will want to model good dental health habits to your family, especially while your children are young.
This is the time to teach children the importance of establishing a good routine for keeping teeth strong and healthy.
Long gone are the days when there was reason to be afraid of the sounds, smells, and sensations of a dental office.
Tell your child why you like going to the dentist. Then show her how good your teeth look when you leave.
Better yet, take your child with you to visit the dentist. Ask the dentist to talk to him about what will happen at his dental appointment.
I love to see children come to the dentist with Mom or Dad. They can’t wait to come back to see the dentist at their appointment. Modern dental offices are happy places for children and families!
Dr. Elizabeth Cranford Robinson
How can Cranford Dental Help you?
Contact our office if you have questions about establishing good dental health habits as a young parent or busy professional. Or visit our Rock Hill office at 1365 Ebenezer Road, near Piedmont Medical Center.
We love helping patients avoid dental work by taking good care of their teeth. Our staff loves working with local families and passing on our years of training and experience in preventive dental care.
Come talk to us about a dental care plan for you and your family.
We would love to welcome you to Cranford Dental.
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