Good oral health is integral to optimum overall health. Unfortunately, almost one-fourth of the US population has untreated
dental caries, and most individuals do not seek or have access to regular
dental care. Untreated
dental disease can cause or exacerbate chronic medical conditions, lead to unnecessary
pain, and increase costs to the medical system. Risk factors for poor dental health include diets high in
sugar, inappropriate
bottle feeding of infants, and low
fluoride levels in the community's water supply. Regular and thorough tooth brushing with fluoridated
toothpaste at least twice daily can help keep teeth healthy. Routine use of
fluoride varnishes on primary teeth, along with
fluoride supplementation when concentrations in the primary water supply are inadequate, can help prevent caries.
Dental care visits at professionally determined risk-based intervals can lead to improved oral health by preventing new and mitigating existing
dental disease. Avoidance or cessation of tobacco use also is recommended.