Oral Health

Oral Health

Oral health is an essential part of daily living. Good oral health practices like brushing and flossing reduce the risk of cancer, help maintain diabetes and prevent the need for some medications. The Sarpy/Cass Health Department’s Oral Health program aims to provide prevention-focused oral health education, support, and resources to connect with dental providers within rural Sarpy and Cass Counties in Nebraska. Oral health encompasses the teeth, gums, and airway system. The most common oral health diseases include cavities, gum or periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
 

Dental Diseases:

• Cavities
  • The breakdown of tooth enamel by acids that are created by bacteria in plaque that collects on teeth. 
• Gum Disease
  • Gum or periodontal disease is when the gums are swollen, red, and easily bleed.
    • Gingivitis – mild gum disease.
    • Periodontal – severe gum disease leading to bone loss.
• Abscesses
  •  Pus-filled infection develops due to past trauma, poor oral hygiene, or if a root canal failed. Develop in surrounding tissue of teeth.

Dental Disease Prevention:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.
  • Wait to brush teeth 30 minutes to one hour after eating to avoid brushing acid from food around.
  • Only a pea sized amount of toothpaste needs to be dispensed onto toothbrush.
  • Replace toothbrush every three to four months or after being sick.
     
• Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can provide preventative care, early detection, and help reduce the severity of dental diseases like cavities.
  • Ask your primary care doctor for a dental provider recommendation if you do not have a dentist.
  • Locate a dental provider near you.
  • Locate a dental provider in the Omaha and Lincoln areas accepting Medicaid.
  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Eligibility. Call (M-F 8a-5p): Lincoln: (402) 473-7000 or Omaha: (402) 595-1178.
     
• Drink tap water. Most public water systems have added fluoride which can help reduce the breaking down of teeth.
  • Check to see if your public water system is fluoridated. 
  • Talk with your dentist about other fluoride options if your water is not fluoridated.
     
• Eat tooth-healthy foods such as those rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus (found in protein).  Incorporating protein, fiber, omega-3-fatty-acids, and antioxidants in diet supports teeth and gums.
  • CDC and American Dental Association recommend limiting sugary drink consumption (energy drinks, juices, and sodas), limiting snacking through the day, and eating a variety of whole foods from all the food groups.
  • It is important to have a treat every once in a while.  When able, eat sweets with meals or drink water after eating.
  • More snack and meal tips: Smart Snacking Tips for Adults and Teens.

Airway Health:

• We should be breathing through our nose and not our mouth.
• The most well-known sleep disorder is sleep apnea.  Addressing airway issues help prevent or treat snoring, cardiac health concerns, and low energy.
• Many physicians and dentists ask questions about sleep during appointments.  Prevention and addressing reduces dry mouth therefore cavity risk.
• It can be easier to address airway issues in children while the mouth is still developing.

Resources:

• Oral and Dental Health Nebraska DHHS 
• Fluoridation from Mouth Healthy and the ADA 
• CDC Prevention and Oral Health Interventions
• CDC: Brush Up on Healthy Teeth / Refresque Sus Conocimientos sobre Dientes Sanos
• Children's Airway First
• Sleep
• Sleep Disorders
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Molecular Ties Between Lack of Sleep and Weight Gain
• Root Canal