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
8h
Achieving health equity begins with community water fluoridation. That's because having a good balance of fluoride benefits everyone. But it is especially beneficial for people who experience barriers to accessing regular care, including lower income households, communities of color and ...seniors on fixed incomes. #teethmatter😁
Oral Health Watch
12h
Achieving health equity begins with community water fluoridation. That's because having a good balance of fluoride benefits everyone. But it is especially beneficial for people who experience barriers to accessing regular care, including lower income households, communities of color and ...seniors on fixed incomes. #teethmatter😁
Oral Health Watch
14h
Health equity begins w/ water fluoridation. That's bc a good balance of fluoride benefits all. But it is especially beneficial for people experiencing barriers to accessing care, including lower income households, communities of color & seniors on fixed incomes. #teethmatter😁
Oral Health Watch
14h
👏 Congratulations and thank you @Arcorafound!
Arcora Foundation is excited to share our 2023 Community Report! 🎉 We invite you to explore these recent highlights and shared progress made by Arcora and partners to further bend the arc of #oralhealth toward equity. ⬇
https://arcorafoundation.org/our-work/2023-community-report/
Oral Health Watch
1d
Happening now! US Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee will be discussing oral health disparities. Click on the link to view it. You also can submit comments by emailing Statementsfortherecord@finance.senate.gov. #teethmatter
An Oral Health Crisis: Identifying and Addressing Health Disparities
www.finance.senate.govOral Health Watch
1d
Happening now! US Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee will be discussing oral health disparities. Click on the link to view it. You also can submit comments by emailing Statementsfortherecord@finance.senate.gov. #teethmatter
An Oral Health Crisis: Identifying and Addressing Health Disparities
www.finance.senate.gov