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The CDC puts it simply: "Oral health refers to health of the teeth, gums, and entire oral-facial system." The CDC and NIDCR describe two parts to looking after it: what you do yourself, like brushing and flossing, and dental visits for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Education, not a dental practice. Florida Smile Works does not examine, diagnose, or treat.

Short answer

Two federal health agencies say much the same thing. The CDC lists brushing twice daily, flossing daily, limiting foods and drinks high in added sugar, and at least a yearly dental check-up with professional cleanings. NIDCR, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, says to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and to clean between your teeth, aiming for once a day. One part you can't do yourself: NIDCR says "The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist."

What a Florida reader should know

The everyday-care advice here is national. It comes from the CDC and NIDCR, both federal agencies, and it is not Florida law.

The CDC's prevention list, in its words: "Things you can do to support your oral health include: Brushing twice daily. Flossing daily. Limiting foods and beverages that are high in added sugar. Having at least a yearly dental check-up and professional cleanings. Having additional dental visits if recommended by your health care provider."

The CDC also says: "Sometimes an oral disease may not cause any pain or signs that you can easily see until the disease has reached a more serious stage."

The CDC's tips for adults add: "Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you wear dentures and have lost some or all of your teeth."

NIDCR's view of the long run: "If you protect your oral health with good oral hygiene practices (brushing and flossing), the odds are in your favor you can keep your teeth for a lifetime."

NIDCR is a research institution. It says it does not provide dental care or financial assistance for care, and "NIDCR does not provide referrals or second opinions."

The Florida Board of Dentistry has a different job. Its site describes itself as the state's online resource for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental laboratories for licensing, renewals, and information. It's where you go to verify a license, not where you go for a brushing guide.

What to do next

  1. Read the CDC's oral health basics and its tips for adults.
  2. Read NIDCR's oral hygiene page.
  3. Before you pick a dentist or hygienist, check the license yourself with "Verify a License" on the Florida Board of Dentistry site or "License Verification" on the MQA search home.
  4. At your next check-up, ask a licensed dentist the questions below.

Questions worth asking a licensed dentist

Sources