WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAINTAIN GOOD
• Drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpastes.
Fluorides protect against dental decay. However, fluoridated
pastes are not recommended in children below the age of 6 years,
as children tend to swallow the pastes, which might turn out to
• 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. Limit intake of cola and such other carbonated drinks.
Ensure you rinse your mouth thoroughly after intake of such
beverages and fruit juices.
• 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. Oral health checks before
cardiac surgery is mandatory.
• Have a dental check up done once in 6 months. Check-ups can
detect early signs of oral health problems and can lead to
treatment that will prevent further damage and in some cases
reverse the problems. Professional tooth cleaning (prophylaxis)
is also important for preventing oral problems, especially when
self-care is difficult.