Oral Health
The Health Department’s Oral Health program aims to provide prevention-focused oral health care, education, and support within rural Cass County, Nebraska. Oral Health encompasses the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that provides us with the ability to speak, smile, and chew. The most common oral health diseases include gum (periodontal) disease, cavities (tooth decay), and oral cancer.
Cavities (tooth decay) are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel by acids that are created by bacteria in plaque that collects on teeth and are primarily found along the gum line and in tooth crevices. Cavities are usually preventable but continue to remain one of the most common chronic disease conditions throughout all age groups.
Cavity (tooth decay) Prevention:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss ideally after meals
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Visit your dentist regularly; your dentist can provide early detection to reduce the severity of the cavity and provide cavity prevention education
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Drink tap water; most public water systems have added fluoride which can help reduce tooth decay, check and see if your public water system is fluoridated
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Eat tooth-healthy foods such as foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and drinking plenty of water
Resources:
- Find a Medical Dentist Near You
- Oral and Dental Health Nebraska DHHS
- Fluoridation from Mouth Healthy and the ADA
- CDC Prevention and Oral Health Interventions
Content Source:
Cavities/tooth decay - Symptoms and causes (mayoclinic.org), Oral Health Conditions (cdc.gov)