ADA Home Page
Catalog | Find a Dentist | Seal Program | Contact  
 
Dental Professionals Your Oral Health The ADA
Animations and Games
Careers
Students and Educators
Espanol
Events
Manage Your Oral Health
DENTAL CARE
AWAY FROM HOME
DENTAL EMERGENCIES
INSURANCE
LIFE STAGES
Children
Teens
Parents
Adults
YOU & YOUR DENTIST
Media
Topics and Resources

life stages: Adults

 
  Overview
  Video News Release
  Dental Minutes
  Additional Resources
 


Overview

Did you know that good oral hygiene is also a step toward a healthier life? Given that recent research suggests potential links between the bacteria that cause periodontal (gum) disease and systemic diseases, prevention of periodontal disease is an important step in maintaining overall health.

Brushing and flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks, and regular visits to your dentist will help you maintain a healthy smile.

The importance of regular dental check-ups cannot be overemphasized. In addition to checking your teeth, your dentist looks also for signs of diseases such as oral cancer. Alert your dentist to any sores, swelling or discoloration that you find on your tongue, lips, cheek, throat, jawbone, or palate. Because the majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45, dental checkups are increasingly important to detect cancerous lesions in early, more easily treatable stages.

Today, many adults are enhancing their smiles with braces, veneers and whitening products to keep their smiles young and healthy looking. Talk to your dentist about these options.

Return to Top


Video News Release

Return to Top


Dental Minutes

Return to Top


Additional Resources

Return to Top

Quick Links
History of Dentistry
About the ADA
Oral Health Topics
ADA Seal Products
Local Societies
State Societies
Copyright 1995-2008 American Dental Association.
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
See Privacy Policy (Updated 03/14/05) and Terms of Use for further legal information.
Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled. Link opens in separate window.
Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.
Member Only Content Member only content.