Dental Health

Oral health is a key to overall health. Research has shown poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, conditions of pregnant women, including the delivery of pre-term, and low birth weight infants, and in addition to other illnesses.

Establishing good dental hygiene practices help fight against the effects of tooth decay. Tooth decay is damage that occurs to the tooth surface when acid breaks down the food and sugars in the mouth. The acid eats away at the tooth, forming a hole, also known as a cavity. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that lead to other problems. Brushing and flossing is essential to removing bacteria and decreasing the risk of cavities.

Tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums:

• Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft bristle toothbrush.
• Floss daily.
• Drink plenty of water, especially fluoridated water.
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and sugary, salty foods, and snacks.
• Avoid sticky and acidic foods.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Schedule and keep regular dental visits.
• Change toothbrush every 3 months or after getting sick.

Please explore the Public Health Dental Program’s initiatives to keep Floridians' smiles healthy:

• School-Based Sealant Programs
• Not So Sweet Tooth Campaign
• Dental Provider Mapping Tool
• Community Water Fluoridation
• Oral Health Data
• Oral Health Related Sites

Division of Community Health Promotion, Public Health Dental Program 

Provides Direction on Oral Health Policy 

• Researches and recommends policy change that can improve access to oral health care services in the state.
• Facilitates collaborative efforts of statewide oral health stakeholders in relation to oral health policy.

• Supports school-based fluoride varnish and sealant programs.
• Promotes and implements community water fluoridation for eligible communities throughout the state and monitors new and existing systems to maintain optimal fluoride levels.
• Encourages early childhood caries preventive programs using non-dental staff.
• Strives to integrate oral health into general health programs such as WIC, and other programs related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
• Provides consultative and technical assistance to maternal and child health programs, school health programs, WIC programs, schools, state and federal government entities, community and professional organizations, and private citizens.

• Monitors state and county oral health status, dental treatment needs, and utilization of dental services.
• Facilitates the continued development of an integrated, coordinated oral health system between the public and private sectors.
• Evaluates and promotes the development of efficient and effective programs.

• Promotes collaboration among statewide dental and other health care providers.
• Provides consultative and technical assistance to state and professional organizations.
• Provides technical assistance, evaluation, administrative support, and quality assurance guidance to CHD dental programs which include on-site facilities, mobile units, contractual arrangements, and teledentistry.
• Administers CHD categorical dental funding and administers dental contracts with a variety of public and private organizations.