-
Drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride
toothpaste. Fluoride's protection against dental decay works
at all ages.
-
Take care of your teeth and gums. Thorough
tooth brushing and flossing to reduce dental plaque can prevent
gingivitis - the mildest form of gum disease.
-
Avoid tobacco. In addition to the general
health risks posed by tobacco, smokers have 7 times the risk
of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. Tobacco
use in any form - cigarette, pipes, and smokeless (spit) tobacco
- increases the risk for gum disease, oral and throat cancers,
and oral fungal infection (candidiasis). Spit tobacco containing
sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.
-
Limit alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol is
also a risk factor for oral and throat cancers. When used
alone, alcohol and tobacco are risk factors for oral cancers,
but when used in combination the effects of alcohol and tobacco
are even greater.
-
Eat wisely. Avoiding sugars and starches
when snacking applies to adults as well as children. Limit
the number of snacks eaten throughout the day. The recommended
five-a-day helping of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables stimulates
salivary flow to aid remineralization of tooth surfaces with
early stages of tooth decay.
-
Visit the dentist regularly. Check-ups
can detect early signs of oral health problems and can lead
to treatments that will prevent further damage and in some
cases reverse the problem. Professional tooth cleaning (prophylaxis)
also is important for preventing oral problems, especially
when self-care is difficult.
-
Diabetic patients should work to maintain
control of their disease. This will help prevent the complications
of diabetes, including an increased risk of gum disease.
-
If medications produce a dry mouth, ask
your doctor if there are other drugs that can be substituted.
-
Have an oral health check-up before beginning
cancer treatment. Radiation to the head or neck and/or
chemotherapy may cause problems for your teeth and gums. Treating
existing oral health problems before cancer therapy may help
prevent or limit oral complications or tissue damage.
