Oral Health
Brush twice a day
with fluoride toothpaste.
Keeping your teeth and gums
clean can prevent cavities
and gum disease.
Drink fluoridated water
to keep teeth strong and
reduce cavities.
Avoid sugary snacks and
drinks, which can lead to
tooth decay, obesity,
type 2 diabetes, and
other health problems.
Visit the dentist
regularly. Checkups can find
tooth decay, gum disease, and
other problems before they
lead to more serious issues
like tooth loss.
Avoid all forms of tobacco and limit alcohol. Smokers have twice the risk of gum disease compared to nonsmokers. Excessive alcohol use combined with tobacco use causes at least 75% of head and neck cancers.
If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar close to your target level. High blood sugar increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Page last reviewed: November 8, 2017