Dental health is important, and establishing healthy habits shouldn’t be limited to regular visits to the dentist. In fact, there are many things that can be done right from home to benefit kids and adults.
After all, maintaining healthy teeth and smiles to last a lifetime starts with small habits.
Did you know that taking care of your teeth and gums protects against chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease? In fact, data suggests that what we do everyday can have more of an impact on our health than visiting our health care provider.
Simple at-home dental care—like brushing and flossing regularly—helps prevent gum disease, which has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. These behaviors remove plaque and prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria in the mouth. In addition to brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary drinks also reduces inflammation and stabilizes blood sugar levels—all good things when diabetes is concerned.
Research has shown that poor oral health may also be associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, like oral, throat, and esophageal cancer. Taking care of your teeth and gums every day removes plaque and harmful bacteria that contribute to inflammation and cancerous conditions. Adopting a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, along with limiting sugary and processed foods, also supports a strong immune system, which can help stave off cancer.
There is also a known connection between healthy teeth and gums and the prevention of heart disease. Studies have shown that poor dental health can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Regular, at-home dental care helps remove plaque and harmful bacteria that are linked to inflammation and the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries—which can lead to heart disease. Diet matters too! A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and limits the intake of sugary and fatty foods. Combining a healthy diet with daily brushing and flossing is a key step in protecting your heart against disease.
Keep up on the the skills needed to keep your teeth healthy now and for many years to come.
Have Medicaid, Green Mountain Care or Dr. Dynasaur?
Find the links to some fun websites, videos, and activities here!
Help your kids form a regular routine of brushing twice a day and work together toward a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!
Download the Monthly Brushing Calendar.
The whole family can dive into this fun and engaging dental health YouTube channel featuring an 802 Smiles dental hygienist.
Geena the Giraffe’s Tremendous Tooth Adventure
This 8-minute animated film from Oral-B North America helps kids learn about how to take good care of their teeth.
We recognize the need for oral health education and access for young Vermonters, and the 802 Smiles Network works to both expand and connect dental health services in Vermont schools to help students and families begin their oral health journey at no cost. Our network consists of VT schools that offer a variety of free services to their students. By offering free, in-school dental services, schools help to foster long-lasting preventative oral health behaviors that can positively impact health outcomes.
When a school becomes a member of the 802 Smiles Network they can select to provide different levels of services to their students, from dental health education and onsite treatments—to transportation and restorative services, such as fillings. The different tiers are laid out in this infographic.
We welcome and encourage new schools to join our network and the effort to promote dental health in Vermont youth. For more information, visit 802 Smiles Network, email VTOralhealth@vermont.gov or call (802) 863-7330.
