Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, accounting for 40,000 newly diagnosed cancers each year and 9,000 deaths. Less than half of all oral cancer patients are cured, because the disease usually is diagnosed in its later stages. The most prevalent locations for oral cancer are the tongue, floor of the mouth and the soft palate. But oral cancer may also be found on the lips, cheeks or gums. Many dental offices perform an oral cancer examination during routine check-ups. Individuals can learn more online, including helpful tips and how to perform a self-examination.

If you have diabetes, make sure you take care of your mouth. People with diabetes are at risk for mouth infections, especially periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place and may lead to painful chewing problems. Some people with serious gum disease lose their teeth. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control your blood glucose (blood sugar). By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing everyday, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent periodontal disease. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Brushing and flossing daily, along with a professional examination twice a year, will minimize your risk. Eating a balanced diet, especially foods rich in vitamin C, B12, folic acid and calcium, will help strengthen your gums and bones against breakdown. Also, limit the frequency of eating foods loaded with refined sugar (sucrose). Other risk factors such as smoking should be eliminated, and related dental problems such as crowded teeth, spaces and cavities should be restored.

More than 20 million Americans suffer anxiety about visiting the dentist, so much so that some avoid dental checkups altogether. Delta Dental recommends that you communicate your fears with your dentist. Your dentist may recommend something as easy as a signal that can let him or her know you need them to stop momentarily or they can help provide a distraction for you, such as television or relaxing music. If your fear of the dentist is keeping you from better health, learn more about how you can gain control.

Delta Dental of Tennessee encourages parents to reconsider the value of tap water in this age as the trend to drink bottled water grows. The problem with most bottled water is it does not meet the daily needs of fluoride, an additive that helps prevent tooth decay. "Parents should be aware of the importance of fluoride to children’s health as tooth decay occurs faster in children than in adults," stresses Dr. Phil Wenk, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee. "Delta Dental believes that tap water may be one of the primary defenses to help children maintain their healthy smiles."

Dental Grills, also called Grillz or fronts, have become increasingly popular in the past few years. Grills are decorative covers for the teeth usually made of gold, silver or jewel-encrusted precious metals. Although most grills are removable, some have chosen to permanently adhere them to the teeth. Those who wear grills should be extra careful about dental hygiene. Learn more from the American Dental Association.