Oral Health

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Oral health is an important part of good health. Oral health problems impact the ability to eat and speak. Oral health is connected to serious health issues. Poor oral health causes problems with diabetes, heart disease and can lead to a stroke. Poor oral health has been linked to preterm or low birth weight babies. Good news, oral health problems are preventable. A healthy smile for life starts with healthy habits of brushing teeth two times a day and flossing daily. Drinking fluoridated water, using fluoride products like rinse and toothpaste that you can purchase at a store. Fluoride varnish applied at dental office visits also helps. Making smart food choices and good eating habits also impact oral health. It is also important to see the dentist at least yearly but twice is better.

The Missouri Office of Dental Health does not offer direct care like dental cleanings and fillings for cavities. We offer education on how to improve oral health. We are committed to helping provide resources and information for Missourians.

Teeth: Your body’s early warning system - Marielle Pariseau DMD

The oral health of Missouri’s children is in crisis. Find out what Missouri’s Office of Dental Health and other dental health providers are doing to improve oral health. Find out how to improve the oral health of Missouri’s children. Special thanks to Carol Berger, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, BS; Scott Argus, MA, MFA; Lilli Kayes, MFA; and Carl Leta for creating and providing this documentary.

Rural Children in Crisis: Access to Missouri Oral Care

Benefits of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Recent News – Fluoride in Drinking Water

Recent News

  • Rural Parish Clinic – Dental Van, Archdiocese of St. Louis will be at St. Louis: 3427 Washington Ave, St. Louis, September 4 – 6, Cedar Hill: 8100 South Industrial Drive, Cedar Hill, September 9-16, Bloomsdale: 255 Boderman Lane, Bloomsdale, October 7 - 17. The clinic provides services to uninsured residents ages 16 - 65. To learn more and register, click on the clinic name above.
  • Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic, Dexter, MO. A three-day clinic is scheduled for October 9-11, 2025. The clinic provides a low-cost alternative for tooth extractions only. Anyone in Missouri can go to the clinic but must have transportation to and from the clinic. To learn more and register, click on the clinic name above.
  • Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic - Only 15% of Veterans have dental coverage. It is difficult for them to find a dental provider and be able to pay for treatment. A. T. Still University and Affinia Healthcare are working together to provide dental treatment to Veterans utilizing dental students and Smiles for Veterans. The mission grew when they found Smiles of Hope. Funding is provided by Veterans United Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, Lighthouse Church, CareQuest and other generous groups. Thousands of Veterans are now able to proudly smile. The Missouri Office of Dental Health is proud to play a small part in this project. Click on the clinic name above to view the video about the clinics work to help veterans.
  • The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Dental Health is hosting community water fluoridation training for dental, medical, and public health professionals. This training will:
    • Provide background information on water fluoridation.
    • Take a look inside of water treatment processes, including a tour of a water plant.
    • Discuss state and federal statutes and regulations.

      All trainings will take place from 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM (including the tour).

      Register for Trainings.

      Training dates and locations:
      August 29 – Springfield, MO
      September 5 – Cape Girardeau, MO
      October 10 – virtual training

      Each session offers (4) hours of ADA-CERP continuing education credit for dental professionals. All attendees will receive a certificate via email.

      If you have any questions, contact Gwen Sullentrup at 573-526-1563 or gwen.sullentrup@health.mo.gov. We look forward to seeing you there!
  • Dentists and Dental Hygienists play a crucial role in delivering health care. The MU Center for Health Policy invites Dentists and Dental Hygienists working in Missouri to participate in a confidential workforce survey. The collected data provides clarity to better understand the characteristics of the Dental and Dental Hygienist workforce in Missouri, including practice locations, specialties, availability, and demographic characteristics. Below are the two surveys for Dental Hygienists and Dentists. Learn More: MU Office of Health Outreach, Policy & Education, Missouri Health Care Workforce Project.
  • Be good to your Teeth: Regular flossing reduces risk of stroke, AFib
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri website offers free books for children under the age of 5 at no cost. Sign up your child for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics created a program for parents to help structure a nighttime routine for children. The program includes brushing teeth, reading a book and going to bed at a set time each night. Brush, Book, Bed program is designed for ages 0-6.
  • Do you know what fluoride varnish is? Learn more in this video: Fluoride Varnish – A Cavity Fighting Tool!
  • Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges is two years of research and writing by over 400 contributors. This report explores the nation’s oral health over the last 20 years. The report is a follow up to the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America.