Control common risk factors
MOST ORAL DISEASES SHARE COMMON RISK FACTORS WITH OTHER DISEASES

Oral diseases share common risk factors with general health conditions. These risk factors are triggered by individual behaviour and lifestyle, like an unhealthy diet (particularly one
high in sugar), tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and poor oral hygiene. It’s important to recognize that you can help prevent oral diseases, as well as other health conditions, by taking charge of your oral health.
It’s never too early or too late to start looking after your mouth, your body will thank you.
Eat healthy Don't use tobacco
Consuming too much sugar from
snacks, processed food, and
soft drinks is a major risk factor
for oral disease (mainly tooth
decay), as well as diabetes, heart
disease, and cancer. Excessive
sugar consumption also causes
serious dependence and promotes
weight gain.
Using tobacco in any form –
smoking or smokeless – is unsafe
and contributes to developing gum
disease and oral cancer. Tobacco
use also contributes to heart
disease, respiratory disease, and
other cancers, and is the leading
cause of preventable death in
the world.