Good oral health means more than having pretty teeth. It includes teeth, gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues.

The health of your mouth can be a sign of your body’s health. Mouth problems are not just cavities, toothaches, and crooked or stained teeth. Many conditions—such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, and some eating disorders—can cause oral health problems.

For instance, people with diabetes can develop tooth and gum problems if their blood sugar stays high. Regular dental exams help you maintain good oral health and avoid related health problems.

To keep your mouth healthy:

• Drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride’s protection against tooth decay works at all ages.
• Thoroughly floss and brush your teeth. Doing so reduces dental plaque and can help prevent gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease.
• Avoid tobacco. Tobacco use in any form increases the risk for gum disease, oral and throat cancers, and fungal infections.

Oral cancer often goes undetected until the late stages, so it’s important to ask your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer during your regular checkup.

Oral cancer often starts as a tiny white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth that becomes chronic. Other signs include a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal; a color change in the mouth; a lump, rough spot, or other change; or pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.

• Limit alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol is a risk factor for oral and throat cancer. When alcohol and tobacco are used together, the risk for oral cancers is even greater.
• Eat a healthy diet. Avoid snacks full of sugars and starches. The recommended five-a-day 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. Checkups can detect early signs of oral health problems and can lead to treatments that will prevent further damage.

For more information, visit the American Dental Association at www.ada.org.

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