Oral Health in Washington
By third grade nearly 6 out of 10 children in Washington State suffer from tooth decay. While less statewide data currently exists for seniors, less than one-quarter of Medicaid-insured adults over the age of 55 received dental care in 2015. Both of these statistics point to the urgent need for advocates and policymakers in Washington to work together to promote prevention and improve oral health.
2015 Report: Washington State Apple Health Dental Program Facts and Figures FY 2008 – FY 2014. The report provides a comprehensive look at six-year trends in dental utilization, services received, and costs for Apple Health-insured children and adults in Washington State.
Oral Health Watch
13 hours ago
Poor oral health hurts much more than your smile. Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) of lower income adults report the condition and appearance of their mouth and teeth negatively affect their ability to interview for a job. But the good news is we can fix this! Proven strategies like water fluoridation and ...expanding access to care can reduce dental health disparities so every adult has an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Non-medical conditions like racism, sexism, discrimination, the language spoken at home, and where a person lives and works can influence health as much as behavior and insurance status. Addressing social determinants of health is essential to improving outcomes, advancing equity, and reducing ...systemic health disparities, including oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Getting kids to consistently brush and floss is a top parental struggle. Community water fluoridation acts as crucial safety net, helping prevent cavities and improving overall oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
June is Pride Month! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Addressing oral health inequities is essential for workforce well-being and public health. But hashtag#DYK LGBTQ+ adults face significant oral health disparities, including a 77% higher likelihood of using emergency rooms for dental crises due to ...historical discrimination? That is why it is important for health care providers to recognize that inclusivity drives outcomes and practicing true allyship requires:
🤎 Inclusive communication like intake forms that support diverse gender identities and pronouns.
🖤 Clinical competence that understands diverse terminology and unique health disparities
💛 Safe spaces that foster an environment free from judgment
hashtag#PrideMonth hashtag#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 days ago
It's important to remember to stay hydrated as temperatures climb and summer approaches. Choosing water (fluoridated provides added protection against cavities) over soda and other sweetened drinks is a simple way to support overall health, oral health, and energy throughout the day. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
As we kick off National Oral Health Month this June, it is important to address systemic gaps in care. Oral health is not a luxury; it is a vital component of overall health. Yet tens of thousands in Washington state face barriers to accessing dental services. Resolving oral health disparities ...requires policies that:
🦷 Integrate oral health into primary medical care.
🦷 Restore Apple Health investments for children and adults
🦷 Support community-based health programs like water fluoridation
🦷 Expand and protect education pipelines to address workforce shortages
🦷 Champion efforts that make oral health accessible for everyone
What can be done to bridge the oral health care access gap? Let's discuss below. 👇
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Preventing cavities is better than treating them. Community water fluoridation prevents tooth decay before it begins, reducing needless pain, avoidable dental problems, and costly treatments. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Healthy aging includes oral health. Community water fluoridation is a proven preventive measure that helps protect teeth from decay at every age from infancy through older adulthood. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Oral health affects daily life in big and small ways, influencing how we eat, speak, smile, sleep, learn, work and feel. When people have access to preventive care, they have a better chance to stay healthy, confident, productive, and connected. #teethmatter