Oral Health

The Public Health Department works with numerous community partners on policy development, oral health education, increasing access to dental care, and ensuring every child has a primary or 'home base' dentist. Since preventing cavities in early childhood reduces the risk of dental disease for a lifetime, the program also provides limited preventive services for children enrolled in the WIC program and home-based Head Start programs. The Oral Health Coalition meets regularly at the Public Health Department. Coalition members help set direction and establish a strategic plan every three years.

Who is eligible?

Any school, organization, or community group can request an educational presentation.

Preventive services are currently focused on children (0-5 years) who are enrolled in applicable programs, though whenever possible, the team will provide information on resources and services for older children, adults, and the elderly.

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge, although insurance providers may be billed for preventive services, if applicable. No one is turned away due to lack of insurance.

When and where is this service offered?

For more information, please call the Oral Health Program at (805) 781-5503.

FAQS

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral released from rocks into the soil, water and air.  All water contains some fluoride.  Fluoride has been proven to protect teeth from decay.  Usually, the natural occurring fluoride level in water is not enough to prevent tooth decay; however, some groundwater and natural springs can have naturally high levels of fluoride.

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The naturally occurring mineral fluoride protects teeth by helping to rebuild and strengthen the tooth’s surface or enamel. Water fluoridation prevents tooth decay by providing frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride. By keeping the tooth strong and solid, fluoride stops cavities from forming and can even rebuild the tooth’s surface. Bacteria in the mouth produce acid when a person eats sugary foods and refined carbohydrates. This acid eats away the tooth’s protective enamel weakening the tooth and increasing the chance of developing cavities.

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How Fluoride Works (CDC) 

The naturally occurring mineral fluoride benefits the health of teeth by strengthening the tooth’s surface and prevents tooth decay in children and adults throughout their lives. Some health benefits of fluoride are:

•    A healthy mouth means fewer cavities. 
•    Fewer cavities mean fewer fillings and tooth extractions.
•    A healthy mouth means less pain and suffering associated with tooth decay.
•    Good dental health means good overall health.

Everyone has harmful bacteria in their mouths, but drinking sugary drinks like juice or soda allows the bacteria to thrive, producing harmful acid in the process.  This acid wears away the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities to form or erosion to occur.  Reducing your consumption of sugary beverages (and replacing them with better choices like water, unsweetened tea, milk or diluted juice) helps protect your teeth.
 
Note: If you are going to consume sugary beverages, try to drink (not sip) them.  Each sip of a sugary beverage causes your mouth’s acid to spike – an increase which can last up to an hour. If you sip on a soda or juice throughout the day, this can lead to much more damage than if you were to drink the beverage quickly (and allow your body time to wash away the sugar and acid).
 
For more information on the effect of sugary beverages on your oral health, click here.

Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections such as gum disease, and seems to impair blood flow to the gums, which may affect wound healing.
Checkout the following topics related to oral health from WebMD:

Visit the County Tobacco Control Program website for more information, or email the team at [email protected] or call 805-781-5540.

E-Cigarettes and Oral health: Nicotine, whether smoked or vaped, restricts blood flow to the gums, which can contribute to periodontal disease.

If your mouth or teeth hurt, or you think you have a dental emergency, CALL your dental provider or your local oral health program. Tell your provider how you feel, including if you have a fever, a cough or chest pain.

Some examples of dental emergencies are:

  • Very bad toothache pain (not just a twinge)
  • Swollen gums, face, or neck
  • Bleeding in your mouth that does not stop
  • Infection or a substantial risk of it
  • Recent trauma to the mouth

Find a Dental Provider:

Your child should have their first dental exam after their first tooth appears or after their first birthday, whichever comes first. Do not wait until your child starts school or has a dental emergency. View the following three-minute video from Mouth Health and the American Dental Association regarding your child’s first dental visit so it may be a good experience for you and your child.

Youtube video links 

Other helpful resources include: