9 Tips to Maintain Good Oral Care

You CAN keep your teeth for your entire lifetime.  9 tips to maintain good oral care.  

-Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly, twice a day, and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.

-Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.

-Limit use of tobacco products.

-Limit alcoholic drinks.

-If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease. Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level.

-If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco products and alcohol.

-See your doctor or a dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell.

-When acting as a caregiver, help older individuals brush and floss their teeth if they are not able to perform these activities independently.

-Use products designed to enhance oral hygiene.