Oral Health MattersOral health is vital to overall health—the mouth reflects general health and well-being. Yet, nearly every American has been af-fected by oral disease?.1

Oral Health Throughout the LifespanGood oral health is important at every age, and tooth decay and other oral diseases are preventable through a combination of fluoride, dental sealants and access to preventive and restorative affordable dental care.

Pregnant Women , Infants, & ToddlersA healthy mouth is important in all stages of life, but it is espe-cially important to get an early start at good oral health.

During pregnancy, the stage is set for the future baby’s health, and oral health is no exception. An infection caused by bacteria in the mouth can be passed from mom to fetus; and the body’s response could interfere with having a healthy baby.

For infants and toddlers, good oral health becomes even more important. Untreated dental decay can impede proper nutrition and speech development, and set the stage for a lifetime of poor oral health.

Did you know?Poor oral health can lead to low-weight, pre-term births.2

Children and YouthFor children and youth, having a healthy pain-free mouth makes learning and playing more enjoyable.

Since the permanent teeth begin to develop early in childhood, access to regular dental care will determine the likelihood of future oral health.

In addition, good oral health is essential to a child’s social well-being. Children and youth with poor oral health often have a tougher time succeeding at school—both academically and socially.

At a time when so many are strug-gling, we must continue to fight to ensure dental care is available for all people, regardless of income or

ability to pay.

-Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders

Vermont

Coalition

Oral Health Carefor All

It’s Time for ActionFor too long oral health has not been recognized as integral to overall health. Too many Vermonters do not have access to preventive and routine dental care.

vtoralhealthcare4all.org

Did you know?In 2009, at least 24,000 Medicaid-enrolled children in Vermont

did not receive dental care.3

AdultsAdults today are more likely than ever before to maintain their natural teeth as they grow older. This means it’s more important than ever to decrease the risk of damage to teeth and gums.

Poor oral health can contribute to a variety of problems, includ-ing restricted activity and missing work. Infections in the mouth have even been linked to other systemic illnesses such as stroke, heart attacks, and diabetes.4

Access to regular dental care can prevent extensive and costly treatment in later years.

Did you know?Among adults, oral diseases and conditions are linked to other serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory

infections, and osteoporosis.5

SeniorsAs we age, we experience a natural wearing away of the teeth and gums, and in seniors, untreated dental disease can impede proper nutrition.

Nutrition is directly linked to good health. If you cannot eat properly due to dental pain, it results in limiting your food choices and can negatively impact your health. Just as for all ages, poor oral health can lead to tooth loss, facial pain and alterations in taste.

Seniors who are able to maintain good oral health have a better qual-ity of life. With more people today keeping their natural teeth as they age, dental care becomes a key component of overall health.

People with Special Health NeedsRegular dental care is particularly important for people with spe-cial health needs, since people with chronic diseases such as os-teoporosis, cancer, and diabetes are more prone to oral diseases.6

Also, developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, may require special oral care to ensure health is maintained.

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 2000.2. Ibid.3. Pew Center on the States, Cost of Delay Factsheet 2009.4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Oral Health in America.5. Ibid.6. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health. Oral Health: Special Needs. 25 March 2011. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.<http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/OralHealthInformation/SpecialNeeds>

Join the Vermont Oral Health Care For All Coalition and help us increase access to afford-able care for all Vermonters and move Vermont toward a system that integrates oral health care into overall health care.

S. Beth NolanVoices for Vermont’s Children 802.229.6377sbnolan@voicesforvtkids.org

vtoralhealthcare4all.org

Oral Health Carefor All

Vermont

Coalition

Oral Health Care For All:Campaign 2012

Vermont needs a systemic approach to addressing the oral health care needs of Vermonters.

In 2012 the Coalition will advocate for:

• Dental coverage to be included in Vermont’s Green Mountain Care plan,

• Full dental coverage for all pregnant women on Dr. Dynasaur, and

• Adding a new dental practi-tioner to the dental team who can provide preventive and routine dental care.