Oral Health

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Oral health is essential for general health and well-being. Oral health problems affect not only the ability to eat and speak but are inter-connected with serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and preterm or low birth weight. But the good news is that oral health problems are preventable. A healthy smile for life starts with healthy habits like brushing and flossing, using fluoride, making smart food choices and eating habits, and visiting the dentist at least yearly.

While the Missouri Office of Dental Health does not offer direct care such as extractions, prosthetics/dentures, composite and silver fillings, and professional cleanings, we are committed to improving the oral health of all Missourians through education, prevention and leadership.

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 and what the medical community can do 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

Importance of Fluoridated Water

Community Water Fluoridation

Public Service Announcements Regarding Fluoridation Benefits

Recent News – Fluoride in Drinking Water

Recent News

  • Ozarks Healthcare Pediatrics at 312 Kentucky Ave, West Plains, MO is hosting “Chill & Check-up” on Tuesday, July 8th from 1 to 5 PM. Children can have fun in the Bounce House, Crafts and Snow Cones while getting to meet doctors and nurses. Free vision checks and fluoride treatments will be provided.
  • The St. Louis Dental Center will have a clinic for Veterans Only on July 19, 2025 at 1500 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO. For more information call 314.833.2700 or book an appointment online https://stldentalcenter.org/dental-services/.
  • Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO has updated the Dental Assistant Program. The program starts August 6, 2025. Visit the Franklin Technology Center webpage for more information.
  • 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. To learn more about the MU Office of Health Outreach, Policy & Education visit: https://hope.missouri.edu/center-for-health-policy/. To learn more about the Missouri Health Care Workforce Project visit: https://mohealthcareworkforce.org/.
  • Be good to your Teeth: Regular flossing reduces risk of stroke, AFib
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri
    Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library offers free books to children under the age of 5 at no cost to parents or caregivers. To learn more, go to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri to sign up your child.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics has created a great resource for parents to help you structure a nighttime routine for your child that includes brushing teeth, reading a book and creating a regular bedtime for ages 0-6. HealthyChildren.org – Brush, Book, Bed
  • 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 a culmination of two years of research and writing by over 400 contributors. As a follow up to the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America, this report explores the nation's oral health over the last 20 years.