by Alexus Masterson, MPH,
Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension,
Muskingum County
Health, the constant in our life that requires appointments and monitoring so that we can live a long and happy life. Almost every part of the body requires maintenance but one of the most forgotten is the mouth. Our mouths do so much for us, helping us eat, speak, and breath. Bacteria love the mouth as it is wet and dark, making it easy to multiply. This year, World Oral Health Day is on Friday March 20th. When I was younger, there was a graphic in my dentist office that said, “You don’t have to brush all of your teeth, just the ones you care about!” which got me thinking about the importance of oral care as I grew up. In a 2021 study, it was found that an estimated 76.5 million adults did not have dental insurance and those over 60 years old were the most effected by lack of coverage (CareQuest, 2021). Access to a provider, lack of coverage, and obtaining oral care out of pocket are a few issues of many, but why is oral care important?
When we take care of our mouth, we prevent disease and severe infections. Proper oral hygiene prevents cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. If issues are left untreated, it can cause chronic pain, difficulty eating, and heart disease. Good hygiene habits don’t affect just one area of the body; it effects the whole body as everything is connected. Here in southeastern Ohio, there are many healthcare systems that offer oral care based on income or accepts a wide variety of healthcare coverage, making it more convenient to seek treatment. Healthy teeth begin at home, children should begin seeing a dentist at 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing (Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, 2026). Habits to have as part of a daily routine include brushing teeth twice a day, flossing between teeth daily, cleaning your tongue, and using fluoride. Limiting sugar in the diet helps prevent enamel decay keeping teeth strong and healthy. Let this be a reminder to schedule a visit with your dentist today to keep your health on track!
Sources:
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. A Snapshot of the 76.5 Million Americans Without Dental Insurance. Boston, MA; September 2021.
carequest.org/a-snapshot-of-the-76-5-million-americans-without-dental-insurance/#:~:text=An%20estimated%2076.5%20million%20adults,to%20maintain%20their%20oral%20health.
Stanford Medicine Childrens Health. 2026. A Child’s First Dental Visit Fact Sheet.
www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=a-childs-first-dental-visit-fact-sheet-1-1509
