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The Sexual Health Center and TB Clinic at the Jesse Nash Health Center at 608 William Street will be closed on Monday, October 19 for a building repair. Call 716-858-7687 with questions.

Oral & Dental Health

Oral health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It affects how we eat, speak, and smile each day. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease, infections, and tooth loss, and can also make other health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, worse. It may cause pain, make eating and speaking difficult, and lead to missed school or work. Poor oral health can also affect mental well-being by lowering self-esteem, increasing stress, and limiting social connection.

Taking Care of Your Teeth

  • Brush your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes each time.
  • Floss between your teeth daily.
  • Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
  • See your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. 

Source: ADA.org

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and food that helps protect teeth and prevent cavities in children and adults by strengthening the tooths outer surface, called enamel. Drinking water with the right amount of fluoride has been safely used for over 70 years, reducing cavities by 25%.

message explaining that acid from bacteria can make small holes in teeth. It says fluoride helps protect teeth and rebuild the surface, preventing about 25% of cavities. There is a blue brick wall graphic and a black silhouette of a person in a hard hat placing bricks, showing how fluoride helps rebuild teeth. Logos for CDC and other organizations appear at the bottom.

Ways to get fluoride:

  • Drink tap water.
  • Use toothpaste and mouth rise that contain fluoride.
  • Your dentist or pediatrician can apply fluoride varnish at regular checkups.

4/14/2025: NYSDOH Commissioner statement on health benefits of water fluoridation

Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common diseases people get and live with in their lifetime. Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that stick to your teeth. You feed the bacteria every time you eat or drink.

Early cavities may cause no symptoms, but as cavities grow, it can lead pain. If left untreated, cavities can cause an infection. This infection can spread in your body, and in rare cases, become life-threatening.

Dental Sealant Infographic: sealant is applied onto a tooth without sealant to prevent molar cavities

Children's Oral Health

Babies aren’t born with the germs that cause cavities. These germs are usually spread from caregivers through shared saliva. This can happen when people share spoons or straws, clean a pacifier with their mouth, or kiss a child on the lips. Caregivers who have untreated cavities are more likely to pass these germs to their children.

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth help children eat, speak, and learn. They also hold space for adult teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and may affect how permanent teeth grow in. girl smiling

Healthy Habits for Kids

  • Schedule a child’s first dental visit by age 1.
  • Avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle unless it contains only water. 
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks, including juice
  • Help children brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is very common, affecting about 40% of adults in the U.S. Gum disease happens when the gums around your teeth become inflamed or puffy. It starts as gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums) and can progress into periodontitis, which can damage the bone that supports your teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of gum disease can include:

  • Red, swollen, or sore gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Loose teeth or painful chewing
  • Changes in how your teeth fit together

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth; it can affect you whole body. It can make diabetes harder to control and may worsen blood sugar levels. The bacteria and inflammation from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and may contribute to heart disease. 

Gum disease can be prevented by:

  • Brush teeth twice a day and floss daily
  • Visit a dentist twice a year
  • Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Oral Health Across the Lifespan

Pregnancy

Oral health is very important during pregnancy. Hormone changes can make gums more sensitive and more likely to bleed. This can increase the risk for gum disease and cavities. Dental care is safe during pregnancy, and regular checkups can prevent problems. A parent’s oral health also affects their baby’s health. Parents with untreated cavities and gum disease are more likely to pass cavity causing germs to their baby.

Person sitting in a dental chair while a dental worker stands nearby. The text says that dental care is safe and important during pregnancy. It also says you should get routine and emergency dental care at any stage of pregnancy. The web address www.cdc.gov/oralhealth is at the bottom.

Older Adults

As people age, they are more likely to have gum disease, tooth loss, or dry mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by many common medications and can raise the risk of cavities. Regular dental visits, good brushing and flossing habits, and keeping the mouth moist by drinking water can help maintain good oral health.

The infographic explains that from 2011 to 2016, total tooth loss was common in older adults. It says that 1 in 6 adults aged 65 or older had lost all their teeth. There is a drawing of an open mouth next to six human‑shaped icons, with one highlighted to show the statistic. A small illustration of an older adult’s face is at the top, and CDC logos and a link to a report appear at the bottom.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can form in the mouth or throat. It is more common in older adults and people who use tobacco or alcohol. Regular dental check-ups can help find problems early when they are easier to treat. Signs and symptoms can include:

  • A sore that doesn’t heal.
  • White and red patches in the mouth.
  • Swelling in the mouth, jaw, or neck.
  • Having trouble chewing or swallowing.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Oral Cancer

HPV is a very common virus that can cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. HPV is linked to most oral cancers in the U.S. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause these cancers and works best when given before exposure.

How to Reduce Your Risk

  • Don’t use tobacco and limit alcohol, as both increase oral cancer risk.
  • Get the HPV vaccine. It protects against the type of HPV linked to oral cancer and is recommended for all preteen boys and girls aged 9-12 and up to age 26. Some adults up to age 45 may also benefit.
  • Keep up with regular dental and medical check-ups for early detection. 

Emergency Dental Care

Some dental problems need quick attention. Seek care right away if you have:

  • Facial swelling
  • Severe tooth pain
  • A tooth that is knocked out or broken
  • Bleeding that will not stop
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing

These may be signs of a serious infection or injury. A dentist can treat most dental emergencies but go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, swelling that affects your eye or neck, or fever with facial swelling.

Getting help quickly can prevent complications and protect your overall health.

List of local dental providers:

Find a Dental Provider in Erie County 

Oral Health Dental Education Program

A dental hygienist from the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) works with all kinds of schools in Erie County to provide dental education to all 2nd graders.  Early education and intervention can prevent cavities and other dental disease.  For more information, please call (716) 858-7277 or email wellness@erie.gov.

Oral Health Data 

More Oral Health Information and Resources 

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