Why is Dental Health Important?
Just like you would go to the doctor for regular checkups to keep you healthy, going to the dentist to maintain oral health is just as important. Many people don’t realize how important oral hygiene is and its connection to a person’s overall health.
Because the mouth is directly connected to the digestive tract, maintaining oral hygiene is extremely important to keeping you happy and healthy, as the mouth carries tons of bacteria. And while most of the bacteria in your mouth is harmless it doesn’t take much for that bacteria to become extremely harmful to your overall health. Having good oral care, like brushing your teeth every day, can prevent the bacteria from becoming dangerous. By not having good oral care, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, as well as other diseases that can be harmful to one’s health
- Cardiovascular disease
- Pneumonia
- Pregnancy and birth complications
- Endocarditis
How to maintain Oral Hygiene
One of the main ways to maintain oral hygiene is by brushing your teeth twice a day. This removes bacteria accumulated throughout the day, removes tartar and plaque, lowers your risk of cavities (which can lead to tooth decay), and lowers your risk of gum disease.
Seeing a dentist at least once a year can widely improve your dental hygiene, too, as a dentist will be able to detect any issues with your teeth and oral health. By detecting any issues early they can then help you treat things like cavities and help you improve your overall oral hygiene.
What is the Emergency Adult Dental Treatment Program
Our Adult Dental Program connects community members to local dental providers for free dental care, including:
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Oral exams
Eligibility
All program participants must:
- Be a St. Mary’s County resident
- Enrolled in Medicaid OR
- Be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level
For more information, please call 301-475-4330
