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
16h
Babies recognize that shared food and kisses signify love and affection. But did you know that cavity-causing germs are passed on from caregiver to child? Ensuring parents have access to oral health care is not only good for caregivers, but it helps set baby on a cavity-free path. #teethmatter
For infants, toddlers, and children, one sign of an especially close relationship is if two people do something that involves exchanging saliva, like...
www.npr.orgOral Health Watch
16h
Americans consume an estimated 77 grams of sugar a day and beverages are the leading source of added sugars. Ditching sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks for water (bonus if it's fluoridated) can help promote good oral health and improved overall health. #teethmatter
Health educators and schools must do more to raise awareness of how pervasive sugar is in foods and drinks. https://twitter.com/dentalhealthorg/status/1481986601786003459
Oral Health Watch
16h
💯@Mightymouthwa! Water is the ideal beverage - fluoridated is best - to stay hydrated, quench thirst and wash down food during meals. #teethmatter
#MomHack: Have the family drink water after meals & snacks. Water cleans your mouth with every sip and washes away leftover food that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T8uHVa9z90
Oral Health Watch
16h
Babies recognize that shared food & kisses signify love & affection. But did you know that cavity-causing germs are passed on from caregiver to child? Ensuring parents have access to oral health care is good for baby and adult. #teethmatter ...https://www.npr.org/2022/01/20/1074256096/even-babies-and-toddlers-know-that-swapping-saliva-is-a-sure-sign-of-love
Oral Health Watch
1d
The SmileMobile - a mobile dental van made possible by @Arcorafound @seattlechildren & @DeltaDentalWA - will be in Kent Jan 31st to provide dental care for babies, children, youth, pregnant/postpartum people w/ Apple Health coverage & no insurance. Call 888.286.9105. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
In large part to Access to Baby & Child Dentistry, Washington state is a leader in providing preventive oral health care & early dental treatment for young kids. More than 53% of low-income kids see a dentist at least once a year, helping set kids on a healthy path. #teethmatter
Is your child younger than six? Do they have Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage? Learn how Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) can connect them for free to a specially trained dentist to give their smile a healthy start ➡ https://abcd-dental.org/resources/for-families/