1. Visit your dental professional regularly
Your dentist and dental hygienist are your partners in maintaining
a healthy smile. They can be instrumental in the early detection
and treatment of oral cancer, cavities and gum disease — even
when signs may not be evident to you. Your dental professional
can make recommendations based on your specific needs and
establish a sound home-care regimen that fully supports
the dental care you receive in the office.
2. Practice good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene habits start with proper home care. Using
a soft-bristled toothbrush (ideally after every meal or
snack) helps keep your teeth clean, free of debris
and minimizes the buildup of bacteria levels.
Thorough tongue cleaning is also a critical component in
the cleansing process. The tongue harbors harmful bacteria
that coats the surface and can be largely responsible for
bad breath. And, don’t forget to floss! Bacteria left
behind in the pocket between the tooth and the gum tissue
can lead to inflammation, buildup of deposits and increased
risk of gum disease.
3. Nourish your body from the inside
A healthy diet, combined with good oral health habits, ensures
an optimum defense in reducing dental problems. Vitamin
D is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism — building
and maintaining bone. Folate, ascorbic acid, iron and zinc
all aid in replenishing and providing essential nutrients
to the gum tissues. Vitamin A assists with cell growth
and repair, as well as in the formation of enamel. B vitamins are among
the most common deficiencies related to oral health problems. Eating
a variety of whole, natural foods can provide you with a rich source
of these essential nutrients.
4. Minimize snacking
By avoiding or limiting sugary, starchy and sticky foods —
such as soft drinks, chips, crackers and candy — you can
minimize the potential harm they have on the teeth. These types of
foods literally assault the mouth and tend to get lodged
and linger around the gumline and in between the teeth. Avoid
these foods, particularly when brushing afterwards is not
an option.
A smart alternative when snacking is to choose fresh crunchy
fruits and vegetables that have a natural cleansing ability
such as, carrots, apples and celery sticks.
5. Avoid smoking
All forms of tobacco increase a person’s risk of developing
oral cancer, including smokeless/chewing tobacco, cigarette,
pipe and cigar smoking. In fact, smokers are six times more
likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. Smoking dries
the oral tissues of the mouth, reducing the availability of
saliva and all the benefits saliva provides for the teeth and
tissues. This delays healing in the tissues, stains the
teeth and dental work, and increases bad breath.
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