Take Life One Healthy Bite at a Time
Discover how at-home dental care can help you savor every bite.
Every Bite
Starts Here
How to take control of your oral health at home.
Small Habits, Big Impact
Get step-by-step guidance for daily oral care.
We feel best when we eat well, smile often, and feel confident when enjoying everything life has to offer. But these things can be hard when your dental health isn’t great. The good news is that you can take charge of your oral health, right at home. Small daily steps can transform your oral health and improve your life, even if you wear dentures or have missing teeth.
Your next bite is waiting – be ready to savor it with joy.
A Healthy Mouth Starts Here
Your overall health and oral health are more connected than you might think. Keeping your mouth healthy also helps manage health outcomes for diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your mouth and your whole body—tobacco products increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancers.
Even if you wear dentures or have missing teeth, regular dental checkups are still important for catching problems early and keeping your mouth comfortable. Taking care of your whole self means taking care of your smile.
Strengthen Every Bite
Food & Nutrition
What you eat and drink directly affects your oral health. Smart food choices can strengthen your teeth, protect your gums, and keep your mouth feeling fresh and comfortable.
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water throughout the day. It helps make saliva, which is critical for a healthy mouth and naturally washes away food particles.
Choose Calcium
Eat foods with lots of calcium like dairy, leafy greens, and almonds. Calcium keeps your teeth strong as you age and supports healthy bones.
Watch Sugar and Acid
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks when possible. These can weaken tooth enamel and increase your risk of decay and sensitivity over time.
Rinse After Eating
After eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods and beverages, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away harmful substances before they damage teeth.
Bite into Life with Confidence
Taking care of your dentures or dental appliances can keep you comfortable and ready for your next bite. Keep it simple! Follow the same routines you’ve set in place for everyday mouth cleaning.
Brush your Dentures
Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to brush your dentures daily. To help remember, brush them at the same time as your teeth or gums.
Take Them Out at Night
Remove your dentures before bedtime and soak them in a denture cleansing solution to keep them fresh and bacteria-free.
Rinse Well
Rinse your dentures well with water before wearing them and after meals.
Oral Care Matters
Taking a few minutes a day to care for your mouth can make a big difference in your oral health, even if you have missing or no teeth. Commit to cleaning your mouth twice a day, use alcohol-free mouthwash after every cleaning, and prioritize nutrient-rich and soft foods.
If you’re missing some teeth, give extra attention to cleaning around your remaining teeth by using floss or interdental brushes (small brushes that go between your teeth). Clean your gums using a soft toothbrush or a soft, damp cloth.
Make Every Bite Possible
Optimize your Grip
There’s no reason to stand during your dental routine! Find a comfortable place to sit with good arm and back support while you brush and floss.
Take a Seat
There’s no reason to stand during your dental routine! Find a comfortable place to sit with good arm and back support while you brush and floss.
Use a Mirror
A magnifying mirror can help you see what’s going on in your mouth, especially if you have limited hand mobility.
You Deserve Healthy Teeth
While you can make a huge impact on your oral health right at home, it is still important to see a dentist if you can. Let us help you get the dental care you deserve so you can continue to Bite into Life. Learn more about our affordable, accessible dental services at dientes.org and splg.org
Make it easy to remember your daily habits!
Download our free printable guide to healthy oral care habits and keep it somewhere handy, like your bathroom mirror or fridge.
It’s never too late to take charge of your oral health.
Start enjoying fresher breath, greater comfort, delicious foods, and more confident smiles today by building these simple routines into your life. Every small step helps you Bite into Life and savor every moment to its fullest.