About oral health

Oral health refers to the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums, and it's an important part of overall health. While it’s often thought of as just dental hygiene, good oral health can also be a sign of broader well-being.

Sugary drinks harm teeth because they contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which together can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Cavities are a chronic disease, and getting them in baby teeth increases the risk of cavities in permanent teeth. Oral health problems are also the leading cause of missed school days among elementary school-aged children.

The soda tax supports free dental sealant treatments for SF Unified School District students and has supported the work of the CavityFree SF Oral Health Task Forces, which focus on addressing disparities in oral health across San Francisco.