Adult dental care: How to keep your natural teeth for longer, and avoid implants or dentures
We all know people blessed with gleaming pearly whites, with not a filling or hint of discolouration in sight. And while for some people this may be a natural genetic disposition, for many it will be the result of good habits learned in childhood, or learned in adulthood, that give them optimal oral health.
Colin Caster, who co-owns City Dental in Sunderland, has spent 10 years running his award-winning practice, along with his business partner Mark Maley. It has its own lab on site to manufacturer crowns, implants and dentures, and has a team of in-house nurses, hygienist and dentists, making it a one-stop-shop.
He said: “Even with all our facilities on site, we would far rather help prevent problems, than fix them.
“If you can avoid fillings at all that’s amazing, that can then minimise the risks of infection, root canal treatment, larger fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, implants or even dentures.
“We’ve come a very long way since adults simply had to accept tooth decay as a natural part of aging, and risk losing some or all of their teeth as a natural consequence.”
Peridontal disease is one of the most common diseases in the world. It happens when bacteria attack the teeth and gums, and yet the biggest step towards prevention is a simple one.
“We are taught to brush our teeth twice a day, and there’s solid scientific research behind this,” said Colin. “Bacteria begins to grow every time we eat and drink, and left unchecked it begins to harm teeth and gums.
“It’s not a disease that ever goes away, you have to keep on top of it throughout your life, from infancy to old age, to keep your mouth healthy.”
Experts, including the Royal College of Surgeons, say there are strong links between good oral health and prevention of other medical conditions – things like heart health, mental wellbeing and even certain cancers.
Colin added: “Most people will have learned good oral health habits as a child, and need to remember to continue with them as they age. Of course, we can help with treatments, but we firmly believe in prevention and tooth conservation, and will always do our best to let people keep their own natural teeth for as long as they can. We don’t rush to remove them anymore, as once they are gone they are gone.”
Adults may also want to have crooked or misaligned teeth fixed, a treatment which can be carried out by City Dental and something which can really help improve self-confidence and wellbeing.
In later life the chances of receding gums increases – a literal explanation of the phrase ‘long in the tooth’. Left untreated, receding gums increase the chances of loose teeth, bone density being lost and infection.
Colin added: “Twice daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular check-ups at the dentist, will help people keep their teeth and gums healthy for longer.”
Adults can register at the practice via the website or call the practice on 0191 548 4916 to arrange a free of charge consultation. City Dental is at 57 Dovedale Road, Seaburn Dene, Sunderland SR6 8LP.