Dental caries, which is responsible for tooth decay, is a prevalent disease of the mouth. Factors, such as cariogenic bacteria, flow of saliva, intake of simple carbohydrates, and tooth structure can contribute to dental caries. Cariogenic foods and beverages, such as soda, cookies, and candy, can ferment on the tooth and act as a food source for bacteria present in the mouth and develop into biofilm. Reducing added sugars in drinks and foods can reduce the chance of bacteria to grow and demineralize the tooth. Consumption of foods that are noncariogenic, such as fruit, nuts, poultry, seafood, eggs, reduced fat milk, and 100% fruit juice, should be incorporated to reduce caries. It is important to have steady flow of saliva because it buffers acid that biofilm produces, which contributes to formation of caries. People with xerostomia, or dry mouth, tend to be more susceptible to caries.

Periodontal disease results from progression of gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, with no tooth attachment loss, due to biofilm and calculus. To prevent periodontal disease, which does have tooth attachment loss, it is important to reduce carbohydrates that can easily ferment on the teeth, as well as to have an adequate amount of vitamin C in the diet. Brushing and flossing of the teeth also reduces the chance of plaque buildup. Ensuring that biofilm cannot flourish in the mouth greatly decreases likelihood to developing gingivitis, which can later develop into periodontal disease.

Brushing and flossing teeth are the best preventative action against development of oral diseases. It is advised to brush at least 2 times a day and to floss after brushing teeth and after eating meals. 

To properly brush your teeth, ensure that you hold the toothbrush at a slant angle and start with the upper section of your teeth. Then, brush with an "up-down" motion, ensuring that you are brushing the gums, as well as in between the teeth to remove plaque or food product that may be present. Next, begin to brush the inner section of the upper teeth by positioning your toothbrush straight and using the "up-down" motion as well. The same procedure applies for the lower section of teeth as well.

To floss, wrap a string of floss around your middle finger and begin looping the floss around each tooth towards the gumline. Then, slide the string of floss up and down around the tooth to clear way of leftover food particles that may be lodged between the gaps of each tooth. 

The video below provides a step-by-step visual of how to properly brush and floss your teeth.