As we look forward to all the fun summer activities in June, we are celebrating Oral Health Month and highlighting the importance of treating the whole person with the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition, a project of Kentucky Youth Advocates.

Caring for our oral health means more than simply brushing and flossing your teeth – an important part! It also means caring for your entire mouth, including your gums, by getting regular check-ups and screenings, and making healthy food and drink choices. In addition, oral health means understanding the connections between your oral health and overall health. The mouth acts as a gateway to the rest of the body and can be an indicator for other health concerns throughout the body. Tooth decay has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse medical conditions.

Summer months also bring sports and water fun, and oral health safety plays an important role in the enjoyment of these activities. About a quarter of all pediatric dental injuries can be attributed to sports accidents, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

As we celebrate National Oral Health Month, you can follow along with different oral health topic each week from KOHC.

Want to learn more and get involved?

The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is a collaborative group of professionals from across the Commonwealth with a shared goal to improve the oral health of all people in Kentucky. Members enjoy the opportunity to:

• Earn CEUs for KOHC meetings and events for dentists and dental hygienists
• Network and collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, organizations, and agencies
• Learn about best practices, resources, and ways to improve all Kentuckians’ oral health
• Be part of a collective voice to make a true impact on oral health in Kentucky

Learn more about KOHC and become a member today!