Oral health is a critical part of overall well-being and the foundation for lifelong good health. Poor oral health contributes to a wide array of serious, even life-threatening conditions. Many of these problems can be prevented through routine preventive dental care.

In the United States, oral diseases disproportionately affect people living in lower socioeconomic statuses. People living in poverty are nearly twice as likely to be affected by these diseases, including tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, they are less likely to receive necessary preventive and restorative dental care. Families USA is paving the way to improve oral health outcomes for all Americans by raising awareness of these disparities, advocating for solutions, and working with state and local organizations to build public support for policies that expand coverage.

Kids who have healthy teeth and gums are more likely to be successful in school and in their future careers, regardless of their socioeconomic background. To promote a lifetime of good oral health, it is important for parents and caregivers to teach children about the importance of daily brushing and flossing, limit sugary snacks and beverages, and make sure their kids get plenty of vitamins A, C, E, D, and K. This downloadable booklet (PDF) outlines basic brushing and flossing techniques for preschool through grade 5 and features activities that can be used in classrooms, childcare centers, afterschool programs, and homeschool groups.

The oral health of adults is a crucial pillar in maintaining good general health, and it is no different for seniors. In fact, the mouth can be a window to one’s overall health; certain dental issues can be early indicators of underlying systemic illnesses.

In this era of escalating medical costs, it is important for individuals to maximize their health benefits by practicing good oral hygiene and regular preventive visits with a Northbrook dentist. The following digital videos can be used to raise awareness about the connection between oral health and general health for anyone, but are especially effective for reaching low-income populations who benefit from Medicaid and CHIP.

These short videos feature real patients who are benefiting from the vital connections between oral health and overall wellbeing. They can be shared on social media, websites, and digital signage.

This two-part webinar features a panel of experts who discuss why it is important for adults to be proactive about their oral health and what steps can be taken to maintain good oral health throughout the course of a person’s lifetime. This webinar was created for the A Healthy Mouth for Every Body campaign and is available on demand.