Mouth Problems, Noninjury: Prevention
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Prevention
Many mouth problems can be prevented. Try some of the following home prevention measures to prevent:
- Cold sores. Avoid direct physical contact with people who have a cold sore. Remember, cold sores are caused by a contagious virus (herpes type 1). Children often become infected by contact with parents, siblings, or other close relatives who have cold sores.
- Canker sores. Avoid injury to the inside of the mouth and foods that can trigger a canker sore.
- Bad breath. Practice good dental care: Brush your teeth twice each day and floss once a day.
- Dry mouth. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Hard candies can increase saliva and help prevent problems with a dry mouth.
Tobacco can cause mouth problems. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
Avoid alcohol, which can cause a dry mouth, bad breath, and increase your risk of canker sores.
| Last updated: | September 26, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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