Diet/Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet will help your mouth tissues resist infection. This may help avoid gum disease, which is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not actually cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe a poor diet makes the disease progress faster and become more severe.

A healthy diet includes the four basic food groups. Minimize soft, sweet, sticky foods, such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Brush and floss your teeth after eating such foods to remove clinging residues that promote tooth decay. If you cannot clean your teeth immediately after snacking, choose foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, popcorn and sugarless gum or candy.

Fluoride is also vital for strong, decay-resistant teeth. Ask your dentist if you and your family are getting the fluoride you need.