Prevention

Many mouth problems can be prevented. Try some of the following home prevention measures to prevent:

• Cold sores. Avoid direct physical contact with people who have a cold sore. Remember, cold sores are caused by a contagious virus (herpes type 1). Children often become infected by contact with parents, siblings, or other close relatives who have cold sores.
• Canker sores. Avoid injury to the inside of the mouth and foods that can trigger a canker sore.
• Bad breath. Practice good dental care: Brush your teeth twice each day, and floss once a day.
• Dry mouth. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Hard candies can increase saliva and help prevent problems with a dry mouth.

Tobacco can cause mouth problems. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Avoid alcohol, which can cause a dry mouth and bad breath and can increase your risk of canker sores.