Oral Health Program
Contact Email: Montana Oral Health
The mission of the Montana Oral Health Program is to improve the oral health of Montanans through prevention and education.
The Oral Health Program promotes oral health activities designed to encourage good oral health practices and increase awareness of the importance of oral health and preventive care. The Oral Health Program collaborates with and identifies oral health resources available for local health departments, schools, daycares, tribes, Head Start programs and others concerned with oral health promotion activities.
Start Early
- During pregnancy prepare for your baby by seeking dental care to reduce the risk of infecting your baby with decay-causing germs.
- After your baby is born, begin wiping or brushing baby gums and teeth.
- Children should see a dentist by age one.
- Do not share utensils or put a baby's pacifier in your mouth. You could be sharing decay-causing germs.
Stay Healthy
- Brush twice a day, especially before bedtime, for 2 minutes.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Floss daily to clean in between teeth, where your brush does not reach.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, bent bristles are not effective at cleaning.
- Don't share toothbrushes to prevent sharing the germs that cause decay.
- Regular dental check-ups help detect problems early and reduce the cost of dental care.
- Eat a healthy diet and reduce the amount and frequency of sugary beverages.
Oral Health and Overall Health
- Tobacco use increases the risk for gum disease and oral cancers.
- Diabetes and gum disease, there is a connection.
- Oral Cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), get the facts.
For program information contact: