Consumer Health Minute: Dental Health

Posted by Carolyn Martin on January 21st, 2026 Posted in: Consumer Health, Consumer Health Minute

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When we talk about our health we often forget about our teeth. Oral or dental health is very important. Not only are teeth important to make it easier to eat but poor oral hygiene can lead to major health conditions such as endocarditis, stroke, and there is growing research showing a connection between having poor oral health and dementia.

Oral health can often be neglected due to social economic factors such as access to good dental insurance and access to affordable healthy food.

Your library or organization can provide oral/dental health information resources and work together to bring awareness and resources and services to everyone in your community.

This is a new year and a good time to make a new commitment to improving the oral health, and the overall health of the communities you serve by connecting them to important health information.

Resources

MedlinePlus is a consumer health resource with vetted links to quality health information from the National Library of Medicine. Health topics include:

• Dental Health
• Child Dental Health
• Gum Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Disorders

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
This NIH institute includes information for the public with a list of Health Topics along with links specifically for children and older adults and people with developmental disabilities. Some graphics and visual guidance on oral care are included.

National Institute on Aging

This NIH institute includes information specific to older adults.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

You’ll find several helpful resources focusing on How To Take Care of Your Oral Health including topics on dry mouth, HIV, and pregnancy.

Bookshelf (NLM)

And if you are wanting to learn more about oral health, the NLM (National Library of Medicine) Bookshelf has a publication titled “Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges” to gain a better understanding about the challenges people face regarding this health topic.

Campaigns

Several oral health campaigns are held during a month of the year or a day of the month. This is a great way to highlight and promote good oral hygiene for everyone. Here are just a few:

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and these organizations are providing social media content for you to utilize and resources.

• American Dental Association (ADA), also includes the 2026 Brushing Calendar
• American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), includes short videos for children
• National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, includes links to resources and toolkits
• America’s Pediatric Dentists, with links to parent resources and the Mouth Monster Hub