Oral Health

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Keeping your teeth and gums clean can prevent cavities and gum disease.

Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to cavities, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

Drink fluoridated water to keep teeth strong and reduce cavities.

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.

Visit the dentist regularly. Checkups can find cavities, gum disease, and other problems before they lead to more serious issues like infection and tooth loss.

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 gum disease.