Health equity begins with good oral health
Good oral health represents more than a nice smile. The health of a person’s mouth provides a window into their overall health and general well-being. Bacterial infections that cause cavities and gum disease can lead to burdensome medical expenses, health complications and pain. Visible decay and missing teeth also can impact employment opportunities, nutrition, self-esteem and how people relate to you.
Unfortunately, poor oral health and dental disease disproportionately affect lower-income households, communities of color, older adults on fixed incomes and people living rural areas. Oral Health Watch advocates for programs and policies that promote good oral health and overall health because everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health and good oral health is a critical part of achieving health equity.
Oral Health Watch
6h
First birthday. First tooth. First dental visit. #teethmatter
Visiting the dentist by age 1 is key for building a lifetime of good #OralHealth. Learn what to expect during a first dental visit to support your child’s happy smile: http://buff.ly/3u8X365
Oral Health Watch
7h
Access to preventive dental care for expectant parents helps set parents and newborns on a healthy path. That's because babies aren't born with the germ responsible for cavities; it's passed on through caregiver interactions like kisses and shared food. #teethmatter
A sneaky culprit for #babyteeth cavities? Spoons! 🥣 Did you know you that when sharing utensils, you may pass cavity-causing germs to your baby? That's why it's important for new parents to keep their smiles healthy. Find dental care today. ➡ https://dentistlink.org/. #ToothTip
Oral Health Watch
1d
Happy Birthday, Head Start! When children suffer from oral health, their ability to learn suffers. Through the Oral Health Action Plan in Washington state, Head Start focuses on oral health education, prevention and access to care to help children stay healthy and ready to learn. ...#CelebratingHeadStart #HappyBirthdayHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
1d
#HappyBirthdayHeadStart #CelebrateHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
1d
When children suffer from oral health, their ability to learn suffers. Through the Oral Health Action Plan in WA state, Head Start focuses on oral health education, prevention and access to care to help children stay healthy and ready to learn. #CelebratingHeadStart
Did you know that for 57 years, @HeadStartgov programs have provided comprehensive services to more than a million children each year and their families? Join us today in wishing Head Start programs and staff a very happy birthday! #HappyBdayHeadStart
#CelebratingHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
1d
Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive. Preventive measures like community water fluoridation help make that happen, helping protect teeth against needless suffering from painful cavities and tooth loss. #teethmatter