Oral health is essential to overall health and well-being. It impacts how we feel, eat, speak, and connect with one another. Hawai‘i residents experience greater challenges in accessing dental care, leading to higher rates of avoidable oral health conditions, like cavities and tooth loss.
Working together to improve oral health gives everyone in the family something to smile about!
Stay Informed
We’ll get in touch via email from time to time with resources and actions you can take to improve oral health in your community, as well as community initiatives and events to raise awareness on the importance of oral health. Email us at info@hiohc.org.
Dental Hygiene Education and Resources
Good oral health is directly linked to positive maternal and child health outcomes. However, untreated cavities or gum disease can lead to preterm birth and other complications, and can increase a young child’s risk of developing cavities early on. Strong mouth-healthy habits in early childhood are needed for speech development, eating and nutrition, overall health.
Head Start has information to get you going whether you’re expecting a new child or celebrating their arrival!
As children grow, good oral health supports ongoing development for the future. In addition to nutrition and speech, oral health is necessary for healthy learning at school and social-emotional development. Parents can support their children by setting mouth-healthy routines, like brushing and flossing, at home every day. Make it a fun activity that the whole family can do together!
The American Academy of Pediatrics has additional information for parents to keep the whole family in good health.
It’s not all just about our teeth. Did you know that untreated cavities and gum disease can possibly increase our risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease? In severe cases, untreated oral infections can spread to other parts of the body and cause potentially life-threatening conditions.
Learn more about how oral health affects our overall health from the Health Resources & Services Administration and video below.
Older adults face unique challenges with dental hygiene, including physical movement, transportation, medications that dry out the mouth, and other health conditions associated with aging. Just like anyone else, good oral hygiene is essential for seniors to ensure good nutrition, communication, social connection, and overall health.
If you’re looking to learn more about oral health as we age, or if you care for an older family member, check out the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center and American Dental Association. We’ve also linked a helpful video below!
Just for Fun
SMILE PRACTICE! Impress your family and friends with your smile AND these jokes!
What is the best day to go to the dentist?
Tooth-day.
Why did the snowman go to the dentist?
Because he had frostbite.
What do tuba players use to brush their teeth?
A tuba toothpaste.
What’s a dentist’s favorite type of boat?
A tooth ferry.
What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A gummy bear.
Contact Us
Contact our Statewide Coalition Manager for more information on the Coalition and how you can get involved.
