Pregnancy & Oral Care

Did you know that during pregnancy, women may be more prone to gum disease and cavities? Dental care is safe and important, and you can seek routine and emergency dental care at any stage of pregnancy.

Learn more about dental care for babies and older children!

Oral care is important for both pregnant women and children.  For simple tips for good oral health click here!

Did you know that if you are pregnant, and have TennCare medical, you also have dental benefits?  Those benefits are available to you during your pregnancy and 12 months after delivery. 

Be sure to update your information on your TennCare Connect.  If you don’t know if you have TennCare coverage, but are pregnant, you may be eligible to receive dental and medical coverage. Find out more at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or call 855-259-0701.

Dental care during pregnancy is safe and necessary.  A healthy mouth can mean better health for you and your baby. 

Oral Cancer

Monthly Mouth Self-Check Up

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know it is recommended to do a monthly mouth self-check-up?  It is easy and it can be done in under 5 minutes. Dr. Sydney Larsen, Clinic Director at Interfaith Dental (Murfreesboro Clinic) gives us a step-by-step how to do this monthly check-up…so be sure to watch! 

Talk to your dentist if you have more questions.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, HPV is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers- primarily the tonsils, tonsillar crypt, the base of the tongue (the very back of the mouth and part of what might be called a part of the throat), and a very small number in front of the mouth, oral cavity cancers. HPV16 is the version most responsible and affects both males and females. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine HPV vaccination for girls and boys ages 11 and 12, as well as individuals ages 13 to 26 ( if they haven’t received the vaccine already). For adults, the age range has been extended from 27 to 45 years old. 

Click here for more facts and information. 

COVID-19 Vaccine

Davidson County Sheriff, Daron Hall, tells us why it was important for him to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  Be sure to watch!

Dr. Calvin Smith, an internal medicine doctor at Meharry Medical College, talks about the COVID-19 vaccine, why he got the vaccine, and why he believes it could be a safe choice for you. Be sure to watch to learn more!

For More information about where to get your COVID-19 vaccine, you can visit www.vaccines.gov.  

The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be safe and effective, but there is a lot of misinformation out there. It’s okay to have questions and concerns, but it is important to understand myths versus facts.  John Hopkins Medicine released an article called COVID-19: Myth versus Fact that could answer some of your questions.

Click here to learn more!

Always talk to your healthcare professional about any health concerns.

Got your COVID-19 vaccine?  It might be time for your booster!  Visit the CDC website to find out more. Click here!

Heart Disease and Oral Health

10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Heart Health

What Self-Care For Your Heart Means?

Are Oral Health and Heart Disease Connected?