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Health Services – Dental and Oral Health

Girl holding an appleDental and oral health refer to your teeth, gums, and mouth. Common dental health issues include:

  • Dental decay
  • Gum disease
  • Infection or swelling in your mouth

Dental health is about much more than a healthy smile! Good dental health is an important part of a person’s overall health.

Dental and oral health are important not just for a healthy mouth, but for your whole body! Poor dental and oral health can be related to:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Oral cancer

The mission of the Dental and Oral Health Program at the Carroll County Health Department is to improve access to dental services and education for Carroll County citizens.  Services include:

Click on the links above for more program information.

What can I do to keep my teeth healthy?

To keep your teeth and mouth healthy:

  • Brush at least twice a day and floss every day
  • Drink less sugary drinks and more water
  • Eat less sweet and starchy snacks
  • Get regular dental check-ups

Dental check-ups are important to catch problems early. Untreated problems can cause pain and expensive repairs later.

How can I help keep my child’s teeth healthy?

Dental health is important for children of all ages, even babies. Follow these tips:

  • Start healthy habits early. Baby teeth are important to help children learn to eat and talk, and they hold space for adult teeth.
  • When first teeth appear, clean with a damp cloth or very soft toothbrush.
  • Don’t give babies a bottle at nap or night time, and don’t give children sippy cups with milk, formula, or juice. All of these liquids have sugar in them and can cause painful tooth decay if they are on teeth too long.
  • Start dental check-ups when children get their first teeth, or by age 1.
  • Children age 2 and up can brush their own teeth, but parents should watch children up to age 7 or 8 to make sure they do a good job.

For more information on dental and oral health, visit these websites:

  • Office of Oral Health, Maryland Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene – Includes Maryland Oral Health Resource Guide and educational materials for all ages

http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/oralhealth

Healthy Teeth Healthy Kids program logo

  • Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids website, in English and Spanish  – Resources, brochures and videos from Maryland Dental Action Coalition

www.HealthyTeethHealthyKids.org

  • American Dental Association educational website – Resources for all ages

www.MouthHealthy.org