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Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 17h

Dental care access matters. Oral disease can impact economic opportunity, creating a cycle of disadvantage that affects earning potential & contributes to economic burdens:
📉Lost productivity from pain & oral disease
😁Barriers to employment due to appearance
💸Increased healthcare costs
#teethmatter

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Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 1d

Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive. Ensuring access to preventive oral health measures like water fluoridation and regular dental check ups helps keep kids healthy, happy and ready to learn. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 4d

Children learn good oral health habits primarily from parents and caregivers. Investing in dental care access for adults helps parents lead by example, creating a lasting positive impact on the entire family's approach to oral health. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 5d

Children who experience multiple cavities are at a higher risk of developing future cavities as adults. State investments that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health help set children on a healthy path into adulthood. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 6d

Water fluoridation is a universal, cost effective way to protect against cavities. And it is especially beneficial among populations that disproportionately face barriers to accessing oral health care, including children, senior citizens, lower-income households & communities of color. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 7d

Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, but it doesn't have to be that way. Water fluoridation, sealants, regular dental checkups, and consistent brushing and flossing are highly effective at preventing decay and helping kids grow up cavity-free. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 11d

You're practicing self-care every time you brush, floss, drink fluoridated water, and visit the dentist. Healthy teeth and gums protect the body from inflammation and diseases, reduces stress, and fosters confidence by preventing discomfort from pain and tooth loss. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 12d

#DYK dental care during pregnancy can help set parent & baby on a path of good oral & overall health? Addressing oral infections helps prevent serious pregnancy complications like preterm birth & protects baby's future oral health by reducing the transmission of harmful bacteria. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 13d

Social determinants like socioeconomics, ethnicity, the language you speak at home & geography influences health as much as behavior & insurance status. When we address barriers to accessing quality health care, people can experience better health outcomes & reduced health disparities. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 14d

Kids are so busy; it's not always easy to get them to follow a good oral health care routine. Thankfully, fluoridated drinking water passively protects the oral health of people of all ages, reducing cavities, tooth decay, and dental health disparities. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 15d

Though largely preventable, cavities are the most common chronic disease among kids. It doesn't have to be that way. Access to preventive care like water fluoridation & sealants as well as timely dental treatments & regular check-ups can make a cavity-free childhood possible for all. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 18d

Drinking water is crucial for maintaining overall health throughout the year. And if you among the 72% of Americans with access to community water fluoridation, you have the added bonus of protection from cavity-causing germs with each sip of water. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 19d

18% of Medicaid-insured adults say transportation barriers prevent them from accessing health care. DentistLink's free referral service connecting Washington residents with dental care also offers transportation services. Call or text 844-888-5465 to connect with a referral specialist. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 20d

Prevention works! Community water fluoridation combined with regular dental check ups and a consistent home oral health care routine lead to improved oral health outcomes, reduced oral healthcare costs, and a higher quality of life. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 22d

Prevention works and spares people from the burden of painful oral disease and costly dental treatments. Regular brushing and access to regular oral health care coupled with community health measures like water fluoridation are highly effective at deterring cavities. #teethmatter

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Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 25d

Early childhood cavities can significantly impact oral health in adulthood by increasing the risk of future cavities in permanent teeth. That is why access to preventive measures like water fluoridation and regular checkups are important as soon as kids get their first tooth. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 26d

Each Sept. 15-Oct. 15, we recognize & celebrate the contributions & achievements of Hispanic Americans in history, culture, arts, science & health care while recognizing health equity begins w/ ensuring dental care is accessible & culturally respectful for all. #teethmatter #HispanicHeritageMonth

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Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 27d

Cavities don't have to be a part of childhood. Access to water fluoridation, regular dental check-ups, sealants, and fluoride varnishes can make it so every child has an opportunity to grow up cavity-free. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 28d

1 in 4 Medicaid-insured adults can't find a dentist who accepts their coverage. Fortunately for WA residents, there's DentistLink - a free referral service that connects ppl w/ dental care whether they have Medicaid, are uninsured or have private coverage. Call or text 844-888-5465. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · 29d

It's not always easy getting kids to brush and floss their teeth as consistently as they should. Thankfully, community water fluoridation strengthens tooth enamel to help protect teeth against cavity-causing germs. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · Sep 12

Is community water fluoridation necessary even if you use fluoride toothpaste? 💯 Water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste work together to protect teeth against cavities. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · Sep 11

#DYK access to preventive oral health care is essential even for baby teeth? Primary teeth enable chewing, clear speech, proper nutrition and serve as placeholders for developing permanent teeth. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · Sep 10

Community water fluoridation has significantly improved oral health in the U.S.:
🦷Decreasing tooth decay by approximately 25% for everyone
💰Saving communities money
😢Reducing the number of painful and costly dental procedures
#teethmatter

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Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · Sep 9

Oral health care access can make a profound difference in a person's life by improving employability, reducing healthcare costs due to unmet care and costly emergency treatments, boosting self-esteem, and preventing negative impacts on overall health and well-being. #teethmatter

Oral Health Watch @oralhealthwatch.bsky.social · Sep 8

Children with cavities in their primary (baby) teeth are at a higher risk of developing cavities in their permanent adult teeth. Providing preventive oral health care & timely dental treatments for all kids can help set young kids on a lifelong path of good oral - & overall - health. #teethmatter