Experts are emphasising the importance of proper brushing and flossing techniques, alongside dietary awareness, to prevent dental issues in adults. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity, and nearly half of all adults have some form of gum disease.
Dentist david sutton of Dapper Dental noted that oral diseases impact approximately 3.7 billion people globally and that diet plays a key role. “First, be aware of the pH levels of the food. Anything below seven is going to be more acidic, which can be harmful,” he explained.
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits can damage tooth enamel over time. “They can slowly cause teeth to wear down or flatten, which can lead to sensitivity or make them more prone to fractures and decay,” said sutton.
He also warned that even starchy snacks like chips, crackers and cookies pose a threat. “They can settle in the pits of the back teeth and are really hard to clean away,” he said.
Chewing ice is another common habit that can be harmful. Although enamel is harder than bone, it remains vulnerable to cracks. “Ice is one of the top contributors to tooth fractures,” sutton cautioned, citing data from the American Dental Association.
A study by the National Institutes of Health revealed that around 75% of adults have at least one cracked tooth.
To combat these risks, sutton recommended using an electric toothbrush. “Those things have way more cleansing capability than we do on our own,” he said. He also advised flossing before brushing and suggested skipping the rinse altogether after brushing to allow fluoride to remain on the teeth longer.
Popcorn, a beloved snack with Americans consuming around 15 billion quarts annually, also comes with hidden dental dangers. It contains lactic acid and unpopped kernels, both of which can lead to tooth damage.
Source: Turnto10
