Oral health in middle-age (30-50 year olds)

Illustration of family (man, woman and two children, a target and a woman with a chart of her career trajectory rising

Good oral health is important in all stages of life. For young people, the tooth fairy and braces can be rites of passage. In adulthood, however, the importance of oral health seems to fall off the radar as people get busy with careers, growing families and other life developments or changes. Taking good care of your oral health at every phase of life can help you age healthier and avoid tooth decay or tooth loss.

The adult years between the ages of 30-50 bring the challenges of growing older. Genetics and lifestyle can contribute to the development of chronic diseases and many of the most common diseases can have connections to one’s oral health.

Chart of diseases commonly connected to oral health

Diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and most notably, diabetes, have distinct associations with poorer oral health and periodontal disease.

Illustration of woman jogging and double helix indicating genetics

Ways to maintain your oral health in adulthood:

Regular, preventive dental care. There is no substitute for regular oral health checkups and the early recognition of dental problems to avoid painful and costly dental treatment.
Brush twice daily and floss. Your daily home oral health regimen is critical to good oral health.
Drink fluoridated water to help strengthen your tooth enamel.
Limit sugary beverages and excessive sweets in your diet that can contribute to tooth decay.
Avoid or quit smoking and vaping. Research has shown both can increase the risk of oral diseases as well as cancer related to tobacco use.
Oral health and overall health are connected. Changes to either may impact the other. Be aware of changes to your body.
Some medications you take as you get older may lead to dry mouth. Ask your pharmacist / physician about the impact of prescribed medications to your oral health.

This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Eileen Crespo, MD

Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. She is a practicing pediatrician of over 25 years. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Biology and received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Co-Chapter Oral Health Advocate (COHA) of the Minnesota American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Dental Services, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.