Oral Health Facts
The following provide facts and information about the status of oral health in Washington.
Children’s Oral Health
- Dental disease is the single most common chronic childhood disease—five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Learn more from our oral health and school readiness fact sheet.
- Washington’s 2015-16 Smile Survey is the latest statewide assessment of children’s oral health. It shows that children’s oral health in Washington is improving, but further work remains to address racial, ethnic and socio-economic inequities. Learn more from our 2015-16 Smile Survey overview and the full report.
- Over the last two decades, the rate of Medicaid insured children under age 6 receiving dental has more than doubled, from 22% to 43%, and children are being seen earlier before disease starts. Learn more from our ABCD program fact sheet.
Senior’s Oral Health
- Only about half of Washington seniors see a dentist each year, and disparities are significant by income and race/ethnicity. Learn more from a recent survey of Washington seniors.
Community Water Fluoridation
- About three-quarters of the country receive the health benefits of fluoridated water. In Washington state, only about 56 percent of residents receive optimally fluoridated drinking water. Learn more from our fluoridation fact sheet.
Oral Health Watch
4 hours ago
An overwhelming majority of adults recognize the importance of oral health care access. Investments that provide access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments are good health policy - and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
10 hours ago
An overwhelming majority of adults recognize the importance of oral health care access. Investments that provide access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments are good health policy - and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter