You can lower your risk of having dental problems by preventing them before they start. Change habits that put you at risk. Have regular dental exams and follow the advice of your dentist.

Diet
Eat nutritious balanced meals and avoid snacks that contain sugar and starch. This can help you lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Choose your between-meal snacks carefully. Cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit are better choices than candy, cookies and other foods with lots of sugar or starch. Even foods such as popcorn and peanuts should be limited because the husks can get caught between the teeth and gums and cause pus pockets or abscesses.

Stress
If stress causes you to grind or clinch your teeth, talk to your dentist. Your dentist may recommend relaxation techniques, physical therapy, exercise, muscle relaxants and/or counseling. Your dentist may make a plastic nightguard for you to wear in your mouth while you sleep.

Protection from Injuries
Ask your dentist for a mouthguard to protect your teeth or your children's teeth from being knocked out or broken during sports. Always use seat belts when traveling in your car.

Tobacco
Stop using tobacco. If you need help, visit your doctor or join a smoking cessation program.

Alcohol
Decrease the amount of alcohol you drink. If necessary, you can get help from your clinic, your doctor, or a group that specializes in substance abuse.

Drugs
Don't abuse drugs. If you have a drug problem, see your doctor or your clinic or join a substance abuse group to help you stop.

Medical Problems
Tell your dentist if you have any medical problems such as diabetes and follow her advice. Tell your dentist if you take any medications. Learn about your family's medical and dental history and share the information with your dentist.

Fluoride
Find out if your water is fluoridated. If it is not fluoridated, use toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain fluoride. Talk to your dentist about how to ensure you get enough fluoride. He may suggest using a prescription fluoride toothpaste or sealant.

Dental Hygiene
Brush your teeth properly to remove food particles and plaque. Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently at least two times each day with toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque between your teeth and under your gums where toothbrushes can't easily reach. If you floss once a day, you should do it at night before brushing your teeth.

Dental Check-ups
Have a dental cleaning and check-up every six months. Regular dental exams allow early detection and treatment if problems develop.

To learn more:

Fluoride and Fluoridation
(American Dental Association)

Fluoride and Fluoridation provides information about the benefits of fluoride and the different ways you can get fluoride.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluoride

Oral Health Information
(American Dental Hygiene Association)

Learn how to properly brush and floss. Instructions and illustrations at this site are clear and easy to understand. Oral hygiene information is provided for children, seniors, adolescents and adults. In addition, there are easy-to-read fact sheets about gum disease, oral cancer, bad breath, and diabetes related dental problems. Some of these are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click on Patient Resources, then click on Oral Health Facts to find the information.

http://www.adha.org/resources

Tobacco Information and Prevention Source
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

This is an excellent site for someone trying to quit smoking. There are practical tips and advice for all age groups, education materials, research information, and statistics.

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

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Written by: Judi Berry, B.F.A.
Reviewed by: Michael J. Engel, D.M.D.
Last Modified: Tuesday May 13, 2008 12:09 PM