Staying in good oral health

Article summary

• Keep your teeth and gums healthy
• Dental checkups
• Brush, floss and rinse
• Eat healthy
• Smoking and alcohol
• Caring for dentures
• Oral piercings

Keep your teeth and gums healthy

Taking care of your mouth helps you keep a strong smile. Here are simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Dental checkups

See the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Take your child to the dentist when the first tooth comes in, or by age one. Regular visits help keep teeth healthy.

Brush, floss and rinse

Brushing helps remove germs from your teeth.

• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Brush two times a day
• Brush for about two minutes
• Brush after meals if you can
• Get a new toothbrush every 3–4 months

Floss once a day to clean between your teeth.

You can also use a mouth rinse to help fight germs and protect your gums.

Eat healthy

Sweet foods and drinks can harm your teeth. They can cause cavities and wear down the outside of your teeth.

Try to avoid:

• Soda
• Sugary snacks
• Drinks with added sugar
• Too much coffee (it can stain teeth)

Choose healthy foods like:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Dairy
• Protein foods

Drink water often.

Smoking and alcohol

Smoking or chewing tobacco can hurt your gums and raise your risk for serious mouth problems. Drinking too much alcohol can also raise your risk for mouth cancer. Staying away from tobacco and alcohol helps protect your mouth.

Caring for dentures

If you wear dentures:

• Make sure they fit well
• Clean them every day with a soft brush and mild soap or denture paste
• Do not use regular toothpaste — it is too rough

At night:

• Take your dentures out
• Soak them in a mix of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts cold water
• Brush the inside of your mouth in the morning and at night to help keep your gums healthy

Oral piercings

Thinking about getting a tongue or lip piercing? Know the risks first.

Piercings can:

• Cause infections
• Hurt your gums
• Damage nerves
• Chip your teeth
• Make it hard to talk or swallow

If you choose to get a piercing, always go to a trained professional. Keep your mouth clean while it heals. Use alcohol-free mouthwash and brush gently around the piercing.