Oral Health Promotion

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums through preventive dental care is a critical component of overall wellbeing. Good oral health improves our ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, chew, and express ourselves through facial expressions. 

On the other hand, oral diseases, ranging from cavities to oral cancer, cause pain and disability for millions of Americans each year. Even minor oral problems can impact overall health significantly. Mouth pain can prevent sleep at night, leading to fatigue and increased susceptibility to other illnesses. Gum disease is also linked to other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature, low-weight births. Click here to learn more.

Tips to Maintaining Oral Health

  • Brush and floss every day to take care of your mouth and your overall health.

  • Visit a dentist on a regular basis to identify potential problems before they become severe, and to take action to address any issues that arise.

  • Maintain good eating habits – limit sugary snacks and brush your teeth immediately after sugary foods are consumed.

  • Apply dental sealants to children’s teeth. The thin coatings protect chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where most tooth decay in children occurs. A systematic review found that sealants provided in school-based programs can prevent up to 60% of tooth decay for 5 years.

Oral Health and Children

According to the CDC nearly 1 of 5  children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. With good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care, most cavities are preventable. Learn more here.

Oral Health and Pregnant Women 

Dental care is important during pregnancy, as pregnant women are more likely to develop gum disease and cavities. Poor oral health during pregnancy can pose serious health risks to your unborn child, including premature and/or low-weight birth. Click here to learn more.

Oral Health and Aging Adults

As we age, our risks for tooth loss from tooth decay and gum disease may increase due to reduced saliva production, receding gums, and/or difficulties flossing and brushing. Click here to learn more.