Good oral health plays a major role in our overall health and well-being. Good oral health lowers the risk of several chronic health conditions.

Daily brushing and flossing are important because oral health affects the health of the entire body. Not brushing and flossing daily can allow plaque to build up along your gum line, creating an environment where additional bacteria can accumulate and lead to more serious problems. It is also important that good oral health for children begin at infancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• African Americans are among the racial/ethnic groups that have the poorest oral health in the U.S.
• The greatest disparity of children with tooth decay is seen in African Americans.
• African Americans aged 35-44 years of age experience untreated tooth decay nearly twice as often as white Americans.
• The 5-year survival rate of oral pharyngeal cancers among African American men (36%) is almost half of that for white Americans (61%).
• Periodontal disease is greater in African Americans than almost all other racial groups.

Keys to maintaining good oral health:

• Brush and floss at least twice a day.
• Use proxy brushes to remove debris from between the teeth.
• Use a mouth rinse often.
• Limit intake of sugary foods and beverages.
• Make an annual visit to your dentist.

AAHP spreads awareness of the impact of oral health on disease prevention and also provides oral health education, information and resources for good oral health at events and presentations throughout Montgomery County.