The 11 messages below are recommendations for keeping good oral health.
1. To have good health, you need to have a healthy mouth.
2. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. This includes food and drinks with added sugar and honey, syrup, and fruit juice.
3. Drink tap water. Fluoride added to water helps to keep your teeth healthy.
4. Do not put babies and children to bed with a bottle.
5. Brush your teeth 2 times a day. Use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Clean between your teeth every day.
6. Ask for help if you have trouble cleaning your teeth. Help people who have difficulty cleaning their own teeth.
7. Wear a mouthguard for all sports and training where you could hurt your teeth, mouth, or jaw. Mouthguards that are custom made for you are the best option.
8. Have regular dental check-ups. Take your baby for their first check-up when their first teeth appear in their mouth.
9. Talk to your dental practitioner about how often to have a check-up. This is different for everyone.
10. Avoid smoking, vaping and tobacco products like chewing tobacco. They can harm the health of your mouth.
11. Drinking alcohol can harm the health of your mouth.
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Our experts continually monitor the oral health space. As research and recommendations change or we get reader feedback, we update the information in our articles.