Submitted by San Juan County.

Oral health plays a big role in everyone’s health, but not everyone has the same access to the care they need. In our community, many people are building strong habits like brushing, flossing and going to the dentist, but we also know that getting regular dental care isn’t always easy. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key issues in oral health today, including why access to care matters and what we are doing together to make sure everyone has the chance to have a healthy smile.

Good oral health is key to overall health

Brushing, flossing and seeing a dentist regularly is more than just preventing cavities and a bright smile — it is essential for overall health and well-being. Oral health is linked to whole-body health as problems with your teeth and gums can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and pregnancy complications. Your mouth is the gateway to your body. When oral health is neglected, harmful bacteria can spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic inflammation and disease.

The mouth-body connection

Research shows that gum disease (when gums become red and bleed) is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. People with diabetes are also at higher risk for gum disease and infections. High blood sugar levels weaken your immune system and may lead to inflammation. Poor oral health can make it harder to control blood sugar levels and increase complications from diabetes.

Pregnancy makes women more likely to develop gum disease and cavities, so oral health care is an important part of prenatal care. Gum disease has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birthweight babies. In addition, improving pregnant women’s oral health prevents cavities in young children as mothers are less likely to transmit cavity-causing bacteria from their mouth to the mouth of their child.

Preventive care makes a difference

Prevention is key. Brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly help prevent pain and infections from tooth and gum disease. Fluoride toothpaste and eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruit, proteins, whole grains, and low in added sugars is also essential. Oral health isn’t just about teeth — it’s about quality of life. Good habits formed early can help prevent health issues later.

Increase access to dental care

To address challenges in access to dental care, our communities are supporting Community Dental clinics on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan to help those on Apple Health (Medicaid) and those who are uninsured and unable to afford dental care. Visit our website to find out more information about the dental clinics, or to schedule an appointment, please fill out the online application at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2098/Dental-Clinic-Application.

We are also working to include oral health screenings and topical fluoride into routine wellness checkups for children as part of our Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program. Our school districts have partnered to provide dental services through school-based sealant programs that include dental exams, cleanings, fluoride and sealants to protect the back teeth from decay. Together, we are trying to improve oral health care to make a positive difference in our community’s health and well-being.