Take good care of your teeth and gums. At least twice a day, brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss every day to clean between the teeth. If your gums bleed while you are brushing your teeth or eating, or a bad taste stays in your mouth, go to the dentist. Tell your dentist about any other changes you see, such as white patches, in your mouth.
Smoking makes gum problems worse.
Your doctor or dentist can help you quit. The National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse is a service of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research , National Institutes of Health.