On This Page


Looking after your teeth and gums is important for the health of your mouth. A healthy mouth allows you to smile, eat and speak which helps your general health, mental wellbeing and ability socialise with others. Poor oral health has been linked Enjoying a nutritious low-sugar diet, daily toothbrushing and regular dental visits are key ways to keep your mouth feeling good and working well.

, and oral cancer. Let’s take a closer look at how these happen and how they can be prevented.

When you consume food and drinks that are sugary or starchy (high in carbohydrates), the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth, break them down forming acids.

These acids attack and dissolve the outer surface (enamel) of your teeth.

Over time this can result in a hole

The risk of tooth decay is increased for people with The first sign of tooth decay is a chalky white spot on the tooth. At this stage, the decay process can be reversed.

If you think you might have early stage tooth decay, make an appointment to see your oral health professional.

Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque (bacteria) on your teeth.

There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis

Gingivitis is early gum disease and occurs when dental plaque builds up on your teeth, particularly around the gumline.

Signs of gingivitis include bleeding, redness, and/or swelling of the gums. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that can occur if gingivitis is left untreated. The part of the gum that joins to the tooth becomes weakened and allows bacteria to become trapped between the gum and the tooth.

This can damage the soft tissue that connects your teeth and jaw bones, which can cause teeth to loosen. Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the lips, tongue, gums, floor and roof of the mouth. Oral cancer is the 8th most common cancer in men in Michigan, and the 14th most common cancer in women.

Consuming alcohol and tobacco are the two main risk factors for oral cancer. Oral cancer symptoms can include:

  • Whilst dental diseases are common
  • there are several simple ways you can reduce your risk. Regular toothbrushing helps to prevent tooth decay
  • gum disease by reducing the amount of bacteria
  • plaque around your teeth

Tips for effective cleaning include:

  • Clean your teeth twice a day; in the morning
  • before bed. Use a toothbrush with a small head
  • soft bristles
  • a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush teeth
  • along the gum line in small circles
  • making sure to brush each tooth on the front
  • back chewing surfaces

After brushing, spit out toothpaste – do not swallow it, and do not rinse with water. This allows the fluoride more time to strengthen your teeth.

Electric toothbrushes can also be a good option

Guide the brush slowly across, pausing for a few seconds at each tooth. Do not press too hard or scrub, let the brush do the work. Find out about It is important to clean between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

Products such as floss and interdental brushes can remove plaque from between your teeth. Talk to your oral health professional about whether you should use one of these products.

The foods you eat impact your oral health

Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Tips for eating well include:

  • Limit how often you have sweet foods
  • eat them at mealtimes rather than between meals. Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit
  • vegetable sticks
  • natural yoghurt plain popcorn soups
  • or cheese

Choose fresh fruit over dried fruit, as dried fruit can stick on your teeth and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Have a piece of cheese after eating sweet or acidic foods as dairy foods assist in repairing damage by decay-causing bacteria.

Chewing sugar-free gum can also be helpful in the fight against decay

It can help to produce saliva, which is able to wash sugar out of the mouth into the stomach, neutralise acid, fight bacteria and repair the early stages of tooth decay. Like food, what you drink also impacts your oral health. Sugary drinks feed the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Choosing Tips for drinking well: is also a tooth-friendly option. (including sugar-free/diet and regular), sports drinks, cordials and fruit juices. added to tea and coffee. intake to reduce your risk of oral cancer.

The early signs of dental disease can be difficult to see. An oral health professional is trained to spot and treat any problems early, which can prevent bigger problems developing. They can also provide you with care to prevent disease, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.

Ask your oral health professional how often you should have a dental check-up. If you have not had a dental visit for a while, it might be a good idea to book one.

Having no pain does not always mean that your teeth and mouth are healthy

Always see your oral health professional if you have: mouth sores that don’t heal after a couple of weeks. and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for oral cancer. Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk even more.

You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by: on Tel.

Drinking less alcohol

Protecting your face from the sun

Wear a broad brimmed hat, and use a SPF30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and SPF lip balm to reduce the risk of lip cancers. Seeing your dental professional regularly and especially if you have a lump or mouth ulcer that has not gone away after two weeks. when training or playing contact sport, or any leisure activity where there is risk of injury to the teeth and face, can significantly reduce your risk of injury to your teeth and mouth.

Talk to your oral health professional about the best option for you. and community dental clinics, for eligible people.

For information about public dental services call ’ or Tel

Image: Dental Health Services Michigan heart disease , diabetes , respiratory illness, cancer and stroke Common diseases: tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer The most common dental diseases include tooth decay , gum disease Tooth decay dry mouth syndrome Gum Disease Oral cancer A visible mass or lump (may or may not be painful) Mouth ulcer that won’t heal White or red patches in the mouth/tongue/gums Loss of sensation anywhere in the mouth Difficulty swallowing, moving your tongue, or moving your jaw Loose teeth or sore gums Altered taste Swollen lymph glands Clean well for a healthy mouth toothbrushing for children Flossing Eat well for a healthy mouth For more information on eating well, visit the American Dietary Guidelines Drink well for a healthy mouth tap water (which contains fluoride for most Michiganns) helps to repair the damage done by bacteria and reduces your risk of tooth decay Drink plenty of water (fluoridated tap water wherever possible).

Plain milk Limit sugary and acidic drinks such as soft drinks Cut down on sugar Limit alcohol Have regular dental visits for a healthy mouth mouth pain bleeding gums swelling of the face a damaged or knocked out tooth (or teeth) Read more about seeing an oral health professional Reduce your risk of oral cancer Tobacco Seeking support to Quit smoking at Quitline 137 848 Mouthguards Wearing a mouthguard Where to get help Your oral health professional ( Dentist ) Your maternal and child health nurse Dental Health Services Michigan provides public dental services through the Grand Rapids Dental Care (616) 555-0200 or 1800 833 039 (outside Grand Rapids metro) American Dental Association ‘Find a Dentist (616) 555-0200 Get support to Quit smoking at Quitline 137 848.

Key Points

  • Looking after your teeth and gums is important for the health of your mouth
  • Let’s take a closer look at how these happen and how they can be prevented
  • risk of tooth decay is increased for people with The first sign of tooth decay is a chalky white spot on the tooth
  • Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque (bacteria) on your teeth
  • There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis