Oral (Dental) Health

Oral health is the health of the teeth, gums, and entire oral-facial system.

Importance of Good Oral Health

Poor oral health can lead to pain, lowered quality of life, productivity losses, and poor school performance. Oral diseases – such as cavities (tooth decay), gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer – are preventable by visiting the dentist and practicing good dental habits.

Oral Health Basics

Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes at a time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
• Floss your teeth daily to clean between the teeth where brushing can’t reach.
• Limit foods and beverages that are high in added sugar. Sugar can cause plaque buildup and cavities.
• Avoid tobacco use. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other forms of tobacco can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and cancers of the mouth.
• Have at least a yearly dental check-up and professional cleanings. An oral disease may not cause any pain or signs that you can easily see until the disease has reached a more serious stage.
• Have more dental visits if recommended by your health care provider.

Water Fluoridation

Fluoride prevents, and even reverses, tooth decay. Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended for preventing cavities. It is a safe, healthy, cost-effective, and accepted practice that benefits people of all ages, income, and education.

In Madison County, the Villages of Hamilton and Morrisville have fluoridated water systems. Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) also serves optimally fluoridated water to Madison County residents in Sullivan and Lenox townships.

Updated January 30, 2026