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Oral Health

child getting dental exam
Oral health is essential to general health and well-being.1

1. Oral Health Facts. CDC. 5/15/24

Why It's Important

Good oral health improves a person's ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions. However, oral diseases, from cavities to oral cancer, cause significant pain and disability.2

2. About Oral Health CDC. 5/15/24.

What's Known

In the US, more than half of children and adolescents aged 12-19 and almost all adults have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Although dental sealants can be used to prevent cavities, less than half of U.S. children aged 6-11 have dental sealants on any of their permanent teeth.3

Dental decay and/or periodontal disease during pregnancy can have negative health effects for both the mother and her newborn, including, but not limited to, preterm births and low birth weight. Routine dental care during pregnancy has been deemed safe and is strongly encouraged. It is recommended that pregnant women visit their dentist at least twice during pregnancy to maintain optimal oral health. Additionally, it is important for children to have their first dental visit no later than their first birthday.

3. About Oral Health. CDC. 5/15/24.

Who's At Risk

Disparities in oral health exist among all age groups. These disparities exist by sex, poverty status, race and ethnicity, education level, and smoking status. Lack of dental insurance, low health literacy, and language barriers influence access and use of dental care services.4

4. Health Disparities in Oral Health. CDC. 5/15/24.

How to Reduce Risk

Things you can do to support your oral health include:
  • Brushing twice daily.
  • Flossing daily.
  • Limiting foods and beverages that are high in added sugar.
  • Not smoking.
  • Having at least a yearly dental check-up and professional cleanings.
Dental check-ups can also be a time when you and your provider discuss your unique risks for developing oral diseases, and how to help protect your oral health.5

5. About Tooth Loss. CDC. 5/15/24.

How It's Tracked

The New Jersey Department of Health tracks oral health through: Nationally, data are tracked through:

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey Department of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services