Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral health and the main preventive actions against tooth decay and gum disease. However, there are additional steps you can take to improve your oral health.

“A good place to start is by looking at your diet,” said Navy CDR Robert Mitton, deputy director of the TRICARE Management Activity's (TMA) Dental Care Division. “Individuals who have a diet high in sugar, who snack in between meals and drink soda frequently are at risk” Mitton said.

A sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, constantly forms on the teeth and gums, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association. When sugars and starch from foods come into contact with plaque inside your mouth, an acid is produced that attacks the tooth enamel.

Eating a balanced diet and cutting out in-between meal snacks and sugary drinks can decrease the risk of tooth decay. A balanced diet can also help prevent periodontal (gum) disease, which is an infection of the tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth.

For those who just can't give up their soft drinks, Air Force Col. Gary Martin, TMA Dental Care Division Director, has some advice to shorten the amount of time the sugary liquid is in your mouth interacting with plaque. “Don't sip,” Martin said. “If you're going to drink a soda, drink it, don't sip it.” “And,” Martin and Mitton agreed, “to stay ahead of tooth decay and periodontal disease, it's important to regularly visit your dentist. Both gum disease and cavities are totally preventable diseases.”