Oral Health Basics

The Canadian Dental Association supports the FDI World Dental Federation’s definition of oral health as a key component of general health and well-being. Learn more.

Understanding the Risks

Maintaining good oral health takes more than brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. It means, understanding the health and lifestyle factors that can affect your oral and overall health.

Many oral health conditions are preventable and easier to treat when caught early. By following a solid oral hygiene routine and making healthy choices, you can reduce these health and lifestyle risk factors:

Common Health Risk Factors

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Medications (some cause dry mouth)
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep apnea

Common Lifestyle Risk Factors

• Alcohol consumption
• High sugar diet
• Skipping Regular Dental Care
• Smoking, chewing tobacco or vaping
• Cannabis use
• Oral piercings or jewelry

While you can’t change your age, you can reduce or eliminate risk factors by making healthier lifestyle choices. Every positive step you take helps protect your healthy smile, disease prevention, and improves your overall health.

Why Oral Health Matters  

Oral health is connected to your overall well-being. Just like other diseases, oral diseases are easier to manage when caught early, and can stop any negative effects on the rest of your body.

When plaque builds up, gums can become inflamed and prone to bleeding. If left untreated, harmful oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of other health problems.

Oral disease can affect every aspect of your life, including personal relationships and self-confidence. It can lead to pain, anxiety, disfigurement and acute/chronic infections. It can also disrupt your sleep and affect how or what you eat — all of which can impact your overall quality of life.

Taking care of your mouth supports your overall health and well-being.

Your Oral Hygiene Routine

A healthy smile that will last you a lifetime starts with a simple, consistent daily routine. Good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and inflammation in your gums that can become serious. These steps can help keep your mouth and body healthy.

Brush

Brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes, twice a day 

• Use a manual or electric toothbrush to brush all surfaces of your teeth (inside, outside and chewing area)
• Start gently underneath the gums and move up
• Do not rinse immediately - just spit out excess toothpaste
• Wait 30 minutes after eating before you brush to avoid damaging your enamel
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months

Floss

• Floss at least once a day, or after meals/snacks
• Flossing removes plaque and food your toothbrush can’t reach
• Helps prevent gum disease and bad breath 
  

Clean Your Tongue

• Food residue can collect on your tongue
• Use a tongue scraper or a good brush to help keep your breath fresh.

Use an Oral Rinse and Fluoride Toothpaste

• Swish with an non-alcohol oral rinse (also known as mouthwash) once a day
• Choose a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

To find the right oral health products for your needs, consult the list of products that have earned the CDA Seal, this means a product’s claims have been independently reviewed and are supported by scientific evidence.

Drink Water

• Choose water as your drink of choice over sugary drinks to prevent tooth decay.
• Water keeps your mouth hydrated, and rinses away food debris
• It also helps neutralize acid that damages enamel
• Some medications may cause dry mouth, which allows bacteria to multiply faster. Ask your dentist about this.

Eat a Balanced Diet

• Nutritious foods support healthy teeth and gums
• Cut down on sugar and process foods
• A poor diet can weaken your immune system and raise the risk of oral disease. 

See these tips for healthy nutrition, reducing sugar in your diet, and making water your drink of choice, and check out this factsheet to learn more about why it’s important to follow a balanced, low-sugar diet.

Reduce Alcohol, Quit Smoking or Vaping

Daily use of alcohol, smoking and/or vaping over time can lead to dry mouth, inflammation, enamel damage, staining and put you at risk of oral cancer. Talk to your dentist about how these common lifestyle risk factors affect your oral and overall health and make a plan to quit.

Your Dentist is Your Health Partner

One of the best ways to protect your mouth is by going to the dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings. Dentists and certified dental specialists are trained, skilled and regulated health professionals to care for your teeth, gums and mouth.

At each visit, Your Dentist can:

• Examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of disease or decay
• Remove plaque and tartar buildup
• Recommend a diet that supports good oral health, including limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco
• Teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Provide any preventive care and/or treatment
• Set up a schedule for your next check up

Your dentist is the leader of your oral health team. Only dentists are qualified to fully assess your oral health and identify any problems that could affect your overall health. 

Learn more about your dental health care team.

Helpful links

Canadian Dental Association

• Dental Care for Children
• Dental Care for People with Special Health Care Needs
• Dental Care for Seniors
• Flossing and Brushing Tips
• How to Find a Dentist
• Tips for Good Oral and Overall Health

FDI Word Dental Federation

• About Oral Health
• Definition of Oral Health (PowerPoint)
• Practice a Good Oral Hygiene Routine (Factsheet)
• Look After Your Oral Health for Overall Health (Factsheet)
• Take Charge of Your Oral Health (Factsheet)
• Action Toolkit

Government of Canada

• Oral Health

National Cancer Institute (US)

• Definition of Oral Cavity