Talk about dental health this Fall

Many adults and children in the U.S. suffer from untreated tooth decay. October was Dental Hygiene Month – a good reminder to incorporate oral health into your nutrition and health education.

Take a look at the Dental Health Nutrition Tips poster. This is a good starting point for showing your clients and students that oral health is important and how it relates to healthy eating.

Here are some ways to include dental health in your counseling, classes, and presentations:

Healthy beverages: Are You Drinking Candy? Beverages that coat your teeth with sugar can cause cavities. The Building Egg-cellent, Healthy Teeth activity from the American Dental Association shows the damage sugary beverages do to your teeth.

Heart health: Poor dental hygiene can affect your heart. When you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream, causing inflammation and infection in your arteries and heart valves. This can increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease and cavities, making proper dental care a must. And a healthy mouth can actually help you control your diabetes.

Healthy pregnancy: Hormone changes during pregnancy make you more vulnerable to cavities, so it’s important to visit the dentist and practice good oral hygiene when you’re pregnant.

Pillars of health: Dental health is right up there with healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep. Emphasize the importance of daily brushing and flossing with the (Peanut) Butter Fingers demonstration. Even adults who don’t floss might be motivated by watching this activity!

MyPlate: Healthy eating is vital for a healthy body, which includes your teeth and gums. Eating according to MyPlate provides the nutrients needed for a lifetime of good oral health.

Keep in mind that cost can be a barrier to getting proper dental care. The National Institutes of Health has information to help your audience find affordable oral health care.

If you work with kids, download this free kids activity booklet from the CDC.

Hollis Bass, MEd, RD, LD