Healthy Oral Health Habits

Healthy Eating

Oral Hygiene and Tooth Care

Lifestyle and Dental Health

Healthy Eating

The food you eat plays a big role in keeping your mouth and teeth healthy and strong. What you are eating, and how often, can change your oral health.

The Oral Health and Diet Connection

Your mouth is the first stop for everything you eat and drink. The foods you eat can help strengthen your teeth or cause cavities and gum problems. When sugary foods stay on your teeth, germs feed on the sugar which can cause cavities. Eating sugar many times a day can lead to more cavities.

Tooth-Friendly Foods

To improve your oral health, try to focus on foods that are healthy for your body and teeth. Examples include:

    • Fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery. They act like natural toothbrushes to help clean teeth and help your mouth make saliva.
    • Dairy such as cheese, yogurt and milk. They give your teeth calcium to make them strong.
    • Proteins like chicken, fish, eggs. They also help make your teeth strong.
    • Water is the best thing to drink.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods and drinks are not tooth friendly. Examples include:

    • Sugary snacks and drinks, like fruit juices, sodas, and energy drinks.
    • Sticky foods like dried fruits or chewy candies.
    • Acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, sports drinks, and sparkling water.

Smart Eating Habits = Smarter Smiles

How and when you eat matters too. Here are some tips:

    • Try to stop snacking between meals so your teeth get a break.
    • If you do snack, choose something tooth-friendly like cheese, nuts, or veggies.
    • After eating sugary or acidic foods, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum.

Eating healthy is good for your body and your teeth. By making good food choices, taking care of your teeth and regular checkups at the dentist, you help keep your teeth healthy.

Citations:

    1. Tungare, S., & Paranjpe, A. G. (2025). Diet and nutrition to prevent dental problems. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534248/
    2. Moynihan, P., & Petersen, P. E. (2005). The role of diet and nutrition in the etiology and prevention of oral diseases. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 83(9), 694–699. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16211161/
    3. Pitts, N. B., & Zero, D. T. (2004). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases. Public Health Nutrition, 7(1A), 201–226. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14972061/
    4. Ritchie, C. (2011). The impact of nutrition on oral health and dental structure. Journal of Dentistry, 39(2), 136–144. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21675678/
    5. Lame, D. (2023). Dental nutrition: A balanced diet’s impact on oral health, from calcium to antioxidants. Journal of Odontology, 7(6), 692. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/dental-nutrition-a-balanced-diets-impact-on-oral-health-from-calcium-to-antioxidants-105506.html
    6. Salas, M. M., et al. (2023). Dental erosion and diet in young children and adolescents: A systematic review. Applied Sciences, 13(6), 3519. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/6/3519
    7. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Nutrition and oral health. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health

Oral Hygiene and Tooth Care

The Best Ways to Maintain a Healthy Smile

The best ways to maintain a healthy smile are to do the following:

Tip: Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or before, if the bristles are worn out!

Flossing

Flossing removes plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. If left, plaque can build up and cause tooth decay. Any type of floss can be used -- waxed, unwaxed, flavored, or plain. They all do the same thing so use the one you like best.

What if it is hard to floss?

Flossing tools are alternatives that can help, such as floss picks, interdental brushes, and water picks.

Brushing with Braces

Image Credits: Thompson Orthodontics

Additional Tips For A Healthy Mouth!

    • Avoid tobacco products, which increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
    • Stay hydrated, water helps wash away food and neutralize acids.
    • Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and strengthen enamel.
    • Protect your teeth from injury with a mouthguard during sports.
    • After using an inhaler, rinse your mouth with water to minimize the risk of fungal growth.

Citations:

    1. American Dental Association. (2023). Brushing and flossing techniques.
       https://www.ada.org/en/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/home-care
    2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Oral health basics.
        https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/index.html
    3. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. (2023, February). Oral health for adults. https://www.hrsa.gov/oral-health/adults
    4. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2025). Oral health topics overview. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-health

Lifestyle and Dental Health

Your daily choices affect your teeth and gums. Things like medications, illness, stress, and your habits can all impact your oral health. It is important to tell your dentist about your health history and any concerns you have. This helps them give you the best care. Between dental visits, making healthy choices can help keep your mouth healthy.

Smoking and Dentistry

How does smoking impact oral health?

    • Smoking can increase the risk of mouth cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, and cavities. It can also stain your teeth.
    • Tobacco products include:
      • Smoking products - cigarettes and cigars
      • Smokeless tobacco - chewing tobacco or snuff/dip
      • Vaping - e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Where can I get help to stop smoking?

Diabetes and Dentistry

What kinds of oral problems are people with diabetes more likely to have?

People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease. They may also have dry mouth, infections, cavities, burning feelings in the mouth, and delayed healing.

Does gum disease affect diabetes?

Yes, gum disease can make diabetes harder to manage. Diabetes can cause more severe gum disease.

What can someone with diabetes do to protect their oral health?

Follow your doctor’s plan to manage your blood sugar. Brush and floss daily. Visit your dentist regularly. Avoid smoking and eating too much sugar.

Common Medical Conditions and Oral Health

How do health problems like anemia, kidney disease, or autoimmune diseases affect my oral health?

    • Systemic disorders may cause dry mouth, mouth sores, delayed healing, or infections.
    • Make sure to tell your dentist about any systemic diseases so your dentist can adjust your visit.

STIs and Oral Health

Can sexually transmitted diseases show symptoms in the mouth?

Yes, many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) show symptoms in the mouth. Visit your dentist regularly so they can check.

What should I do if I suspect that I have an oral STI symptom?

See a doctor or sexual health clinic for testing.

Can STIs in the mouth spread to others?

Yes, STIs are spread through direct contact, sharing utensils, or oral sex.

Cancer and Oral Health

Why is dental care important before starting cancer treatment?

A dental checkup before cancer treatment helps prevent problems later.

What oral side effects are common during cancer treatment?

Common problems include mouth sores, dry mouth, cavities, infections, loss of taste, jaw stiffness, trouble swallowing, and burning feelings.

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Oral Health

    How does gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) impact oral health?

    Stomach acids can wear away tooth enamel. This can cause sensitivity, cavities, and tooth erosion.

    What helps protect my teeth from reflux?

      • Stomach acid can wear away tooth enamel. This can cause sensitivity and cavities.
      • To protect your teeth, treat reflux, avoid trigger foods, use fluoride, and drink water.

    Medications and Oral Health

    Can medication affect my teeth and gums?

    Many medicines can cause dry mouth and make it easier to get cavities or infections. Always tell your dentist about any medicines you take.

    What is dry mouth?

    Dry mouth is a common medication side effect. It happens when you do not make enough saliva. It can cause cavities, bad breath, and gum problems.

    Should I stop taking my medication?

    NO! Tell your dentist and doctor about all the medications you are taking. Your dentist can adjust treatment to provide you with a safe, positive health outcome.

    Mental Health and Oral Health

    How does my mental health impact my oral health?

    Mental health struggles can make it harder to brush, floss, or go to dental visits. Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum problems.

    What should I do if I think I am struggling with mental health?

    Reach out to a medical doctor or therapist. Early treatment improves both health and dental outcomes.

    Stress and Teeth Grinding

    What is teeth grinding or bruxism?

    Teeth grinding (bruxism) is clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep.

    How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

    Because you’re asleep, it may go unnoticed until someone tells you. Signs of grinding include jaw pain, headaches, chipped or flat teeth, or someone hearing you grind at night.

    Can stress really cause teeth grinding?

    Stress and anxiety are common causes.

    Can grinding damage my teeth or jaw?

    It can crack teeth, wear them down, and cause jaw problems.

    What treatment options help with bruxism?

    Nightguards protect your teeth while you sleep. They do not stop grinding, but they protect your teeth. Reducing stress and avoiding caffeine late in the day can also help.

    Physical Activity and Oral Health

    What are mouthguards?

      • Mouthguards protect the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw for sports related injuries.
      • Custom mouthguards fit your teeth properly, offering better comfort, protection, and breathing.
      • They should be replaced every 4-6 months.

    Sleep Apnea

    What is sleep apnea?

      • Sleep apnea is when breathing stops and starts during sleep. It can cause poor sleep and low oxygen levels.
      • Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, dry mouth in the morning, feeling very tired, or trouble focusing are all signs of sleep apnea.

    How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

    A medical doctor diagnoses sleep apnea using a sleep study.

    What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

      • It is a custom device that moves your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep.
      • However, a CPAP is the best treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a machine used to provide pressured air through a mask while you sleep.

    Citations

      1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Promoting oral health. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/hcp/clinical-guidance/how-to-promote-oral-health-for-people-with-diabetes.html
      2. Chi, A. C., Neville, B. W., Krayer, J. W., & Gonsalves, W. C. (2010, December 1). Oral manifestations of systemic disease. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1201/p1381.html
      3. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Tobacco and oral health. https://engage.ada.org/p/phys/tobacco-and-oral-health-734
      4. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Vaping & oral health S5E05. https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites/season-5/vaping-and-oral-health-s5e05
      5. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, March 15). NCDHHS launches new QUITLINENC services to make stopping tobacco use and vaping more accessible. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2023/03/15/ncdhhs-launches-new-quitlinenc-services-make-stopping-tobacco-use-and-vaping-more-accessible
      6. MS;, B. S.-R. (n.d.). Cocaine and lidocaine in combination are synergistic convulsants. Brain Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9117389/
      7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-a). Oral health and diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-oral-health.html
      8. American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Oral health and diabetes. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/keeping-your-mouth-healthy
      9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Diabetes & oral health. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/diabetes
      10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-a). About STI risk and oral sex. https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-sti-risk-and-oral-sex.html
      11. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Cancer treatments & oral health. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/cancer-treatments
      12. ET;, M. R. R. (n.d.). Gastroesophageal reflux disease and oral health: A narrative review. Special Care in Dentistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35605234/
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      14. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, December 27). Teeth grinding (bruxism). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
      15. MouthHealthy. (n.d.-c). Teeth grinding. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding
      16. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Athletic mouth protectors (mouthguards). https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards
      17. Schultz Family Dental. (2025, June 25). Guidelines for replacing your sports guard: Essential insights. https://schultzfamilydentist.com/guidelines-for-replacing-your-sports-guard-essential-insights/
      18. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). CPAP. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cpap
      19. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, December 9). Sleep apnea. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
      20. Sutherland, K., Vanderveken, O. M., Tsuda, H., Marklund, M., Gagnadoux, F., Kushida, C. A., & Cistulli, P. A. (n.d.). Oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: An update. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24533007/
      21. Oral Health and Mental Health Connection. Penn Dental Medicine. (2024, October 15). https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/mental-health-and-oral-health/ 
      22. Eating disorders. MouthHealthy. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/eating-disorders