Taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a nice smile and pleasant breath. Recent research has found a number of links between oral health and overall health. So, good oral hygiene should be a family affair.

Oral health habits begin at home and play an important role at every stage of life. Making dental care a family priority helps build lifelong healthy habits, from caring for infants’ and toddlers’ teeth to teaching children and teens to take responsibility for their own oral hygiene. Adults also play a key role in supporting the oral health needs of aging family members. By working together, families can prevent common dental issues and support overall health and well-being.

Resources for families are available in the Oral Health Library, where you’ll find dedicated sections for infants and toddlers, children and preteens, and teenagers.

Keep It Clean

Cavities, also called tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. They occur when bacteria feed off of sugars in your mouth and produce acid. The acid attacks your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Over time, these acids can form a cavity in your tooth. More than 80 percent of people have had at least one cavity by age 34. The good news is that tooth decay is preventable.

Preventing tooth decay starts with practicing good dental hygiene:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner once a day.

And be sure you are brushing your teeth correctly. Dentists recommend the following:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in tooth-wide strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces and the top of the teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Watch Your Diet

Not only can your diet affect your overall health, but what you eat and drink can also impact your dental health. Sugar of any kind in food and drinks can contribute to tooth decay. Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks and juice are major culprits. When reaching for a beverage, choose water instead.

Snacking smart can also make a difference. Chips and crackers contain carbohydrates that break down into sugar. These foods also tend to get stuck in your teeth. You should avoid sticky foods like dried fruit and candy. Enjoy a nutritious choice, such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts instead.

Regular Visits

Regular dental visits for cleanings and exams are key to maintaining oral health at every stage of life. For children, early visits build healthy habits, monitor development and help prevent problems. For adults, routine checkups can catch issues early, when they’re easier and less costly to treat.

During a visit, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque, checks for cavities and gum disease, and might apply fluoride. Your dentist will recommend how often each family member should be seen based on their individual needs.

Good oral health starts early. Through the Firstgrin program, eligible families with active dental coverage can receive age-appropriate dental kits for infants and toddlers. These kits provide tools and education to support healthy habits from the start. Expectant mothers can learn more about Firstgrin through the Coming Attractions maternal health program.

A healthy mouth supports a healthy body. Regular dental visits can help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease and TMJ.

For more information, visit the Dental Resource Center.