Oral health affects our ability to eat, speak, smile, and show emotions. Oral health also affects a person’s self-esteem, school performance, and attendance at work or school. Oral diseases—which range from cavities and gum disease to oral cancer—cause pain and disability for millions of Americans and cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.

Oral health is essential to general health and well-being.

Oral disease can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, and learning. It can also affect social interaction and employment potential.

The three oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life are cavities, severe gum disease, and severe tooth loss.

By age 8, over half of children (52%) have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth.

Children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities as children from higher-income families.

1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently has cavities.

Drinking fluoridated water and getting dental sealants (in childhood) prevent cavities and save money by avoiding expensive dental care.

Tobacco use and diabetes are two risk factors for gum disease.

Medical-dental integration between oral health and chronic disease prevention programs benefits patients and saves money.

Babies

Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.

When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush and plain water.

Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot signs of problems early.

Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

Children over 2 Years Old

Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Drink tap water that contains fluoride.

Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate.

If your child is younger than 6, watch them brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow. Help your child brush until they have good brushing skills.