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
1d
It may come as a shock to many older adults with work-based dental insurance nearing retirement to learn that comprehensive dental care is not included in #Medicare. Please tell #Congress that dental coverage is health coverage and oral health is health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among kids. But it doesn't have to be that way. Working in tangent with regular brushing and flossing, routine dental check ups and good oral health habits, water fluoridation can help prevent cavities. #teethmatter
Community water fluoridation is key to good oral and overall health. Learn why pediatricians and parents agree: water fluoridation improves our kids’ health 💧➡️ https://youtu.be/6GXkltMu9b8.
Oral Health Watch
1d
It may come as a shock to many w/ work-based dental insurance nearing retirement to learn that comprehensive dental care is not included in #Medicare. Please tell #Congress that dental coverage is health coverage and oral health is health. #teethmatter
Our health shouldn’t depend on our wealth, but that will only be possible when #OralHealth care is covered too. It’s time to add #DentalCoverage to #Medicare.
Oral Health Watch
2d
Oral Health Watch
2d
Wonder whether carbonated water beverages like seltzer and mineral water is just as healthy tap water. This The New York Times article does a great job of explaining. #teethmatter
Unsweetened carbonated water is a better choice than soda or fruit juice. But don’t overdo it, experts say.
www.nytimes.comOral Health Watch
3d
Oral health care is integral to overall health for people of all ages. That includes older adults. And that is why dental coverage should be included in #Medicare. #teethmatter
A recent poll from YouGov shows that 9/10 voters believe #dentalcare is a necessary part of overall #healthcare and 55% hold their members of Congress responsible for the current lack of coverage. https://bit.ly/3iS7UKq